Montana 2023 Regular Session

Montana Senate Bill SB394

Introduced

2/17/23

Refer

2/20/23

Caption

Establish statutory requirements for legislative conference committees

Impact

The bill also emphasizes the importance of public input by requiring hearings that allow for public comment on proposed amendments. Additionally, it mandates that prepared amendments must be posted online as hyperlinks on the daily agenda, ensuring that the public has access to current legislative changes. This aligns with the constitutional provision designed to enable informed public participation in the legislative process.

Summary

Senate Bill 394 aims to establish statutory requirements regarding public notice and participation for legislative conference and free conference committees in Montana. This bill stipulates that meetings of these committees must be conducted as open meetings, emphasizing transparency in legislative processes. It requires that minutes of the meetings be kept and mandates that adequate notice be provided to committee members, other legislators, and the public, with a preference for a minimum of 24 hours' notice before any meeting. If less notice is given, the committee must publicly state the reasons for this.

Contention

While the bill aims to enhance transparency and public engagement, it may encounter pushback from those who believe it could complicate the legislative process. Legislators concerned about the efficiency of conducting committee business might argue that the stringent notice and posting requirements could hinder timely decision-making. The balance between ensuring public access to legislative matters and maintaining legislative efficiency may be a point of contention during discussions regarding this bill.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

MT HB1235

Relating to establishing the Legislative Education Board and transferring to the Legislative Education Board the statutorily assigned functions and activities of the State Board of Education and certain functions of the Legislative Budget Board.

MT HF4598

Independent Redistricting Commission established, Applicant Review Panel established, principles to be used in adopting legislative and congressional districts established, legislative members lobbying activity prohibited, convening and conduct of regular legislative sessions requirements amended, and constitutional amendment proposed.

MT SB36

Eliminate certain DPHHS statutorily required reports

MT HF3270

Independent Redistricting Commission established, Redistricting Commission Applicant Review Panel established, principles to be used in adopting legislative and congressional districts established, former legislative members lobbying activity prohibited, legislative session conduct and convening requirements amended, and constitutional amendment proposed.

MT SF3770

Department of Children, Youth and Families statutory infrastructure establishment

MT SB3927

PEN CD-MEETINGS-A/V CONFERENCE

MT HB5812

PEN CD-MEETINGS-A/V CONFERENCE

MT HR232

Suspending limitations on conference committee jurisdiction, S.B. No. 1.

MT SR130

Suspending limitations on conference committee jurisdiction, S.B. No. 1.

MT HF5018

Independent Redistricting Commission established, Applicant Review Panel established, principles to be used in adopting legislative and congressional districts established, legislative members prohibited from engaging in certain lobbying activities, and regular legislative session convening and conduct requirements amended.

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