Click any of the articles below to read the most recent news about Montana politics and elections.
Montana Politics Latest
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Helena considering options to fund Fire Tower repairs
Helena leaders say they’re looking at other options for how to fund repairs to the city’s historic Fire Tower, after the Montana Legislature declined their request for a grant to cover some of the costs.
New Montana law opens public school extracurriculars to private and homeschooled kids
A new Montana law effectively removes the attendance requirements for a child who is not in public school to participate in a school district’s sports or other extracurricular programs.
Regents, others file suit to overturn laws affecting MT U-system
A broad coalition of labor groups and Montana university students, faculty and former officials filed suit Thursday to overturn four new laws, calling them a dangerous, unconstitutional intrusion on the Board of Regents’ authority to manage state colleges.
Commission, parties gear up for battle over MT’s congressional districts
Joe Lamson, one of two Democrats on the commission that will draw Montana’s two new congressional districts, has a goal in mind.
Sen. Tester and Sheriff Dutton talk about the importance of funding anti-drug policing efforts
On Thursday Sen. Jon Tester, D-Mont., was joined by Lewis and Clark County Sheriff Leo Dutton to discuss the importance of proposed legislation that is aimed at boosting resources to help law enforcement combat drug trafficking and increase public safety.
Regents vote to file suit over law allowing guns on Montana college campuses
The state Board of Regents Wednesday voted unanimously to go to court challenge a new law prohibiting it from banning firearms on state campuses, saying the law violates the board’s constitutional authority to run the university system.
Governor signs bill regulating marijuana in Montana
Governor Greg Gianforte has signed off on the Montana Legislature’s final plan for implementing recreational marijuana in the state.
Judge blocks legislative request of SupCo justice’s documents
A state judge Tuesday blocked legislative Republicans’ request for internal communications of a Supreme Court justice, saying the Legislature lacks legal authority to acquire the documents.
Supreme Court abortion decision may not necessarily determine MT outcome
But while a similar ban became law in Montana just three weeks ago, a Supreme Court decision ultimately upholding Mississippi’s ban doesn’t necessarily mean the same for the Montana law, said Martha Stahl, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood-Montana.
Gianforte signs bill greatly increasing education tax credit
A bill vastly increasing a state tax credit that funds scholarships for private-school students has been signed into law by Gov. Greg Gianforte.
Rosendale: Cheney’s criticism of Trump "detracted" from leadership role
Montana Rep. Matt Rosendale supported the Wednesday ouster of Wyoming Rep. Liz Cheney from U.S. House GOP leadership, saying her criticism of ex-President Trump’s claims of election- rigging “detracted” from the party’s message.
MT Supreme Court rejects AG request to disqualify itself in email case
A unanimous Montana Supreme Court on Wednesday rejected a request by Attorney General Austin Knudsen to disqualify all seven of its justices from the case involving its internal documents and alleged bias. -
Sen. Tester discusses American Rescue Plan in Missoula
Senator Jon Tester hosted a discussion in Missoula on Friday about the direct impact of the American Rescue Plan funds on the state.
Gianforte signs bill adding restrictions for school and college transgender athletes
Gov. Greg Gianforte signed HB 112 into law, banning transgender athletes from competing as the gender they identify with in high school and college sports.
"BIG Jobs Act" is now law; update on Montana unemployment rules
State Rep. Josh Kassmier of Fort Benton, who worked to advance the legislation, believes it will benefit bottom lines in every county.
GOP clips the wings of Montana public health officials
HB257 says local governments, health boards, or public-health officers cannot pass any ordinance or take any action that requires a business to deny access to a customer, or that denies a customer access to the business.
Montana AG wants to disqualify Supreme Court from case involving itself
In the escalating battle between leading Republicans and the Montana judiciary, Attorney General Austin Knudsen has asked that all seven justices of the Montana Supreme Court disqualify themselves from deciding the legality of legislative subpoenas seeking internal documents from the court.
State GOP attacks MT Supreme Court in mailer
The state Republican Party has sent a mailer attacking the Montana Supreme Court, saying the court needs to be investigated for “questionable activities” related to lobbying and its release of documents.
Face The State: the 67th Montana Legislature
On this week’s Face the State, MTN’s Jill Valley is joined by Chief Political Reporter Mike Dennison and Reporter Jonathon Ambarian to discuss the 67th Montana Legislative Session coming to a close.
Gianforte, Republican leaders tout legislative achievements
A day after the Montana Legislature wrapped up its 67th session, Gov. Greg Gianforte and Republican leaders from the House and Senate held a news conference, highlighting what they saw as their top achievements.
"Cocktails to-go" now permanent in Montana
A news release says that "this measure supports hospitality businesses devastated by COVID-19 and provides increased convenience to consumers."
MT Lawmakers wrap up 2021 session
Montana lawmakers wrapped up the 2021 regular session here Thursday – but not without a technical glitch, delays on an aborted marijuana bill and some parting, partisan barbs.
Zinke files to run for Montana's new U.S. House seat
Former Secretary of the Interior and Montana Congressman Ryan Zinke has filed once again to represent Montana in Congress.
After a battle, Helena judge confirmed by MT Senate
In an unusual series of razor-close votes, the Montana Senate Thursday confirmed state District Judge Chris Abbott of Helena, a 2020 appointee of former Democratic Gov. Steve Bullock that conservatives had tried to defeat. -
MT Legislature’s final budget: Small increases, tax cuts, fed windfall
As Montana lawmakers approach the finish line at the 2021 session, they’re wrapping up a $12 billion, two-year state budget with a modest increase, more than $100 million in tax cuts – and a huge windfall of federal money.
Governor wants changes to a bill that would compensate those wrongly imprisoned
Gov. Greg Gianforte is asking for changes in a bill that would provide compensation for people imprisoned for crimes they didn’t commit.
MT GOP lawmakers extend and widen investigation of judiciary
Legislative Republicans took more actions Tuesday to investigate the Montana Supreme Court and state judiciary for alleged bias – including the creation of a “special counsel” who can scrutinize “any … institution of state government.”
Montana House passes recreational marijuana bill, now headed to governor
The Montana Legislature’s major bill to implement marijuana legalization is now on its way to Gov. Greg Gianforte’s desk.
Governor signs bills restricting abortion in Montana
Gov. Greg Gianforte, flanked by scores of GOP legislators, signed three bills Monday to restrict or more tightly regulate abortion in Montana, declaring it a “day that will go down in our state’s history.”
Former MT Congressman reacts to Montana's new house seat
Former Montana Congressman Pat Williams is pleased to hear the Treasure State will be regaining a US House seat.
