2019 Montana Legislature Update

February 18, 2019

66th Montana Legislature – Week 7

Hearings this week:

• HB 151 – Increase maximum annual assessment on wheat and barley. Hearing 2/19 in Senate Ag. MGGA supports. 
• HB 142 – Revise county weed laws. Hearing 2/19 in Senate Ag.  
• HB 24 – Allows max energy cost deduction for all irrigated property. Hearing 2/20 in Senate Taxation. 

Awaiting executive action:

• SB 91 – Revise weight limit laws for fertilizer. MGGA supports. 
• HB 389 – Exempt certain vehicles from height restrictions.  
• HB 431 – Create farmer loan assistance program by revising GTA laws.

Scheduled for second reading:

• HB 50 – Provide civil penalty for violations of agricultural commodity laws. MGGA supports. 
• HB 102 – Create civil penalty for violation of agricultural marketing and transportation. MGGA supports.

Transmitted to Governor:

• HB 59 – Repeal the Rail Service Competition Council. MGGA supports. 
• HB 63 – Remove sunset date to extend financial liability for pesticide applicators. MGGA supports.

Referred to Committee:

• HB 31 – Revise fire assessment fees. 
• SB 137 – Revise laws related to agricultural use of special fuel. MGGA supports. 
• SB 73 – Revise agricultural commodity licensing laws. MGGA supports. 
• HB 221 – Revise pesticide applicator fees. MGGA supports.
• HB 14 – Long-range building bonding program (includes Romney Hall, MAES greenhouses, see pg 5).