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Montana Politics Latest
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GOP senator preparing yet another option to continue Medicaid-expansion in MT
A second Republican-sponsored bill to extend and modify Medicaid expansion in Montana is in the works, with a focus on tightening eligibility for the health-care program and helping recipients out of poverty.MT Gov. Bullock, amid presidential-run talk, heads off to Iowa
Gov. Steve Bullock, who had more mentions in national media this week on his potential run for president, is heading off this weekend to Iowa – the state that holds the first presidential nominating caucus next year.Lawmaker proposes panel to study marijuana legalization in MT
A ballot measure to legalize marijuana for recreational use in Montana is expected in 2020, so state lawmakers should prepare by creating an interim committee to study the issue, a Missoula state senator said Friday.Legislative budget panel endorses funding to freeze college tuition in Montana
Gov. Steve Bullock’s proposed funding increase that would enable the state university system to freeze tuition for the next two years cleared its first committee hurdle at the Legislature Wednesday.Try electric utility deregulation again in Montana? Dem lawmaker says yes
Montana’s 1997 experiment with electric utility deregulation left a trail of economic wreckage in its wake – but that isn’t stopping Democratic lawmaker Tom Woods from proposing that Montana try it again.MT House endorses bill replacing Columbus Day state holiday with Indigenous Peoples’ Day
The Montana House Wednesday endorsed a bill to replace Columbus Day as a state holiday in October with Indigenous Peoples’ Day.Bill increasing state-park fee by $3 a year advancing through Senate
The Montana Senate Tuesday endorsed a bill increasing by $3 the motor-vehicle fee that supports state parks and fishing-access sites.Daines ‘more convinced than ever’ that greater security is needed after trip to southern border
Daines spent the night with Border Patrol agents at what he calls “ground zero” of the southern border crisis—the Rio Grande Valley near McAllen.Helena lawmaker pitches bill for paid family leave in Montana
Financed by a new state-run insurance fund, Montana would offer up to 12 weeks of paid leave to workers who need to care for a child or ailing family member, under a bill heard Monday at the Legislature.Stapleton ordered to pay fine for ethics violation in campaign for governor announcement
Montana Secretary of State Corey Stapleton has been ordered to pay the state $4,000 for ethics violations related to his campaign for governor.MHP uses ‘wet lab’ to advocate for proposed DUI law
In the wet lab, members of the public and elected officials volunteered to be given alcohol over a period of time and then given standardized field sobriety tests.Senate endorses bill requiring offer of ultrasound to abortion patients
On a mostly party-line vote with Republicans in favor, the Montana Senate Monday endorsed a bill requiring abortion providers to give women patients the chance to see an ultrasound of their fetus. -
Tester still hopeful for agreement on border security funding
Montana Sen. Jon Tester said Sunday he remains hopeful that a bipartisan congressional committee can reach an agreement on border security funding and stave off another potential partial government shutdown.Montana Office of the Public Defender expecting larger caseload, asking for budget increase
Leaders with Montana’s Office of the State Public Defender told lawmakers Friday that they’re expecting higher caseloads in the coming years – and that could lead to higher costs.Bill would require country-of-origin labels for meat products
A bill introduced in the legislature Monday would hold retailers accountable when it comes to labeling meat products.State of the Tribal Nations address delivered in Helena
The president of the Assiniboine and Gros Ventre Tribes on the Fort Belknap Indian Reservation delivered Montana’s State of the Tribal Nations address Thursday at the capitol.Bill to extend tap-room hours dies in committee
A bill allowing Montana microbrewery taprooms to extend their hours to 10 p.m. died a quick death.Democratic lawmaker introduces first Medicaid expansion bill at 2019 Legislature
A Democratic lawmaker Thursday introduced the first bill this Legislature to continue Medicaid expansion in Montana, saying the program providing health coverage to 95,000 low-income adults should remain largely unchanged.Gov. Bullock’s infrastructure bonding bill clears committee – but only first step
Gov. Steve Bullock’s proposal for $160 million in bonding to finance infrastructure projects across Montana cleared its first committee Thursday – but Republicans made it clear it contents are likely to change later.GOP prepares to modify Bullock’s infrastructure plans, offer new building fund
Republicans are preparing to overhaul Gov. Steve Bullock’s $300 million-plus of infrastructure proposals – but they’re also working on a new framework to guide future spending on major building projects.