Montana Politics: Latest News

Democrats may be in the minority at the Montana Legislature, but they’re still pushing forth their top priorities, which are focused on health care costs, coverage and employment.

A closer look at the package reveals the biggest direct beneficiaries: Wealthier individual income-taxpayers, about 4,100 small and mid-sized businesses and an as-yet-unknown number of lower-income property owners and renters.

Gov. Greg Gianforte announced Wednesday that he is making big changes to the state’s COVID-19 directives – including lifting statewide restrictions on some businesses’ operating hours and capacity.

On a party-line vote with Republicans in favor, the Montana House Wednesday endorsed a bill that would allow students and other private citizens to possess or carry firearms on Montana’s college campuses.

The statewide death toll since the pandemic began has now reached 1,069.

Montana lawmakers heard testimony Tuesday on a bill that would put limits on the governor’s powers during an extended emergency – a response to the orders the previous governor put in place during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Last week, Montana lawmakers decided not to approve a state agency’s request for more than $1 million to help prepare for recreational marijuana sales. However, that is likely only a first step as the Legislature deals with the broader issues around legalization.

A Montana legislative committee has advanced a bill that would expand where and how people can carry firearms.

A second Montana legislator has tested positive for Covid-19 during the 2021 session, Republican leadership announced late Monday.

Montana Congressman Matt Rosendale issued a statement Monday objecting to efforts in the U.S. House by Democrats to impeach President Donald Trump.

County leaders will consider a contract next week for Lewis and Clark Public Health to provide COVID-19 contact tracing for the state legislative session.

Business lobbies lined up Friday in support of one of Gov. Greg Gianforte’s top priorities — a bill giving businesses protection from liability for Covid-19 infections, provided they follow proper health guidelines.

In the wake of the first Montana legislator announcing he’s tested positive for Covid-19, legislative leaders sparred Friday over plans to manage the virus at the 2021 session – and could not agree on an overall strategy.

A Republican state representative from Hamilton revealed late Thursday that he has tested positive for Covid-19 – the first state lawmaker to be known as infectious with the disease during the 2021 Legislature, which began Monday.

Gov. Greg Gianforte’s first proposed state budget, released Thursday, offers cuts in income, property, and business taxes for some – and more spending aimed at beginning teacher pay and drug treatment.

Gov. Greg Gianforte says he was shocked by what happened Wednesday at the U.S. Capitol, where he represented Montana until last week.

After pro-Trump protesters broke into the U.S. Capitol Wednesday, Montana leaders say they’re closely monitoring the national situation, but they’re not making major changes to security procedures at the State Capitol.

A Montana House committee held its first hearing Wednesday on a bill that would expand where and how people can carry weapons, including on college campuses.

Montana U.S. Sen Jon Tester said pro-Trump protesters who violently stormed the U.S. Capitol Wednesday have “cheapened this country” in the eyes of the world and made us “weaker domestically as a country.”

Governor Greg Gianforte announced Tuesday one of the criteria needed before he’d remove the state’s mask mandate was liability protection for businesses, nonprofits, schools and places of worship.

Republican U.S. Rep. Matt Rosendale said Tuesday he’ll join Montana’s GOP senator, Steve Daines, in supporting challenges to the 2020 presidential election in “disputed states” when Congress votes Wednesday to approve the results.

Governor Greg Gianforte announced on Monday that he has nominated Gallatin County Sheriff Brian Gootkin to lead the Montana Department of Corrections.

Montana’s 2021 Legislature kicked off here Monday, in-person and, for some, remotely – but lawmakers and their well-wishers still packed portions of the Capitol for opening ceremonies, and most Republicans did not wear face masks.

Montana’s 25th governor promised a new way of doing business in Helena, as he and other statewide officials started their terms in office Monday.

Republican Matt Rosendale was sworn in Sunday as Montana’s sole congressman, but wouldn’t say whether he plans to join U.S. House Republicans Wednesday who will challenge presidential voting results in certain states.