Click any of the articles below to read the most recent news about Montana politics and elections.
Montana Politics Latest
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Daines says Putin is a ‘thug’ as peace talks continue amid Ukraine war
In interview last week with MTN News, Daines said he remains firm in his belief that Putin is to blame for the continued conflict.
Without federal action, states like Montana wrestle with kratom regulation
Montana lawmakers are grappling with how — if at all — the state should rein in kratom, an unregulated plant-derived substance with addictive properties
Montana Legislature reaches mid-point, lawmakers reflect on first half
Things were significantly quieter at the Montana State Capitol Friday, as lawmakers were on their way home for a weeklong break after reaching the first major deadline of the session.
MT legislators debate restrictions on chemical abortions
Montana senators had intense and emotional conversations on Thursday while debating a bill that would change laws relating to chemical abortions.
Montana Lottery will put its largest contract out to bid
The Montana Lottery uses a single contract vendor to provide a range of their products, including Montana Millionaire and Sports Bet Montana
Montana Senate votes down bill to narrow eligibility for Medicaid expansion
As the Montana Legislature continued its second day of marathon debates ahead of Friday’s transmittal deadline, the state Senate voted one more time on Medicaid expansion.
Montana Senate asks legislative auditor to look into Senate President Regier
The Montana Senate adjourned for its transmittal break Thursday evening – and one of their final actions was to refer their presiding officer for a potential investigation.
Montana lawmakers consider diversity, equity, and inclusion legislation
Two House Bills could change how colleges and the government handle diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).
MT House backs nuclear energy bills, debates 'Defend The Guard' bill
It was a whirlwind day for the Montana House of Representatives, with bills being endorsed that could significantly impact nuclear energy production and a heated debate about Montana’s National Guard.
Montana Senate debates dozens of bills, advances 47 on Wednesday
The Montana Senate is having marathon floor sessions over the next few days as the transmittal deadline approaches.
Montana Legislature will debate hundreds of bills over the next few days
Tuesday was the 45th day of the Montana Legislature’s 69th session – the halfway point. In previous sessions, that would mean it was also the transmittal deadline.
Medicaid expansion renewal heading to governor's desk
The bill that would remove the sunset date on Montana’s Medicaid expansion program has passed the Legislature and could soon be on its way to the governor. -
Ravalli County Rep. Marshall resigns from Montana House
Rep. Ron Marshall announced in a post on X, formerly Twitter, that he was quitting the Legislature, effective Monday at noon.
Bill would require schools to tell parents about gender identity discussions
Montana senators debated a bill that would require schools to inform parents if their child comments about questioning their gender identity.
Red Medicine’s mission to connect tribal communities to the Capitol
When Alissa Snow began working as a lobbyist in the 2015 Montana Legislature, she was the only American Indian lobbyist in the building.
Advocates sue to extend public education for students with disabilities
Advocates have filed a class action lawsuit in federal court, arguing that the state of Montana should allow students with disabilities to continue receiving public education past the age of 18.
Right-to-work bill draws crowd to State Capitol
Unions and their supporters filled the State Capitol Friday, in a show of opposition to a bill that would establish Montana as a “right-to-work” state.
Drag performers could be sued under proposed Montana bill
On Friday, the public weighed in on House Bill 675 which would allow people to sue drag performances for alleged harm caused to youth from the performance.
Bill would remove notary process for vehicle title transfers in Montana
The Montana legislature is looking at legislation to make some changes to how people transfer vehicle ownership in the state.
Proposals could shake up Montana's marijuana industry
This week at the Montana Legislature, lawmakers are considering a series of bills that, if passed, would significantly reshape the state’s legal marijuana industry.
Bill would tighten THC restrictions in Montana
The bill seeks to revise state drug laws by limiting the THC content in marijuana products to 15 percent, including flower, concentrates, and edibles.
Montana Legislature discusses property tax bills
Property taxes were a major topic at the Legislature Wednesday, as the Montana House and Senate each gave initial approval to multiple tax-relief bills.
Proposal would open cigar bars to the public in Montana
As cigar lounges grow in popularity, new legislation would open cigar bars to the public, which are currently members only.
Judge partisan elections bill passes key vote in Montana Senate
On Wednesday, the Montana Senate debated Senate Bill 42 which would fundamentally change judicial elections in the state by making them partisan. -
Montana lawmakers consider increasing the minimum wage
Supporters said the state’s current $10.55 rate doesn’t match the cost of living, but opponents disagreed and said the increase could increase inflation.
Montana Senate backs Indigenous Peoples' Day bill
On Tuesday, the Montana Senate overwhelmingly supported a bill to establish Indigenous People’s Day in the State of Montana.
Montana House Judiciary Committee packed with bills
The Montana Legislature is now a week and a half away from a key deadline: transmittal, when most bills need to pass either the House or the Senate to stay alive.
Disability rights advocates in Montana raise concerns over federal lawsuit
On Monday, advocates gathered in Helena to deliver a message to Attorney General Austin Knudsen about a federal lawsuit that they said is threatening protections for people with disabilities.
House Bill 391 raises concerns with the Alliance For Youth
Alliance for Youth is worried that the bill could allow for dangerous loopholes.
Bill would allow strip searches of misdemeanor offenders in Montana
House Bill 605 would allow strip searches of individuals who will be held in a jail or correctional facility for more than 12 hours.
