Montana 2025 Regular Session

Montana House Bill HB64

Introduced

12/11/24

Refer

12/20/24

Engrossed

1/23/25

Refer

1/27/25

Enrolled

2/15/25

Passed

2/27/25

Caption

Repeal small business compliance assistance council

Impact

The removal of the advisory council may have significant implications for small businesses operating within Montana. By repealing sections that defined the council's structure and responsibilities, the bill seeks to simplify engagement with regulatory frameworks. The bill provides a repositioning of responsibilities, with the representative now responsible for directly assisting small businesses in fulfilling environmental compliance requirements, potentially bridging gaps that might have previously existed between businesses and regulatory bodies. This change could foster a more supportive legal environment for small enterprises amidst environmental scrutiny.

Summary

House Bill 64 aims to enhance the regulatory framework for small businesses in Montana by eliminating the Small Business Compliance Assistance Advisory Council from the state's Clean Air Act. This bill also revises the role of the small business stationary source representative, who will now serve without direct supervision from regulatory programs. The primary intent of the legislation is to streamline compliance assistance for small businesses by refocusing the responsibilities of the representative, thereby potentially making it easier for these businesses to navigate environmental regulations.

Sentiment

The general sentiment surrounding HB 64 appears to reflect a positive view among proponents who argue that reducing bureaucratic barriers will encourage small businesses to actively comply with necessary regulations. Supporters include stakeholders from various business sectors who believe the changes will create a more business-friendly environment. However, potential concerns have been raised by environmental advocates who may perceive the elimination of the advisory council as a reduction in the support system available for small businesses, which could lead to challenges in understanding and adhering to environmental obligations.

Contention

A notable point of contention involves the balance between simplifying compliance for small businesses and ensuring adequate support for their obligations under environmental laws. Critics fear that while the bill aims to ease regulatory burdens, it could inadvertently diminish the level of assistance available to small businesses previously facilitated by the advisory council. This tension between operational simplicity and thorough environmental oversight remains pivotal to the discussions surrounding the bill’s implementation and future impact on state regulatory practices.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

MT A02055

Relates to financial assistance to small businesses for the purpose of pollution prevention, control and compliance.

MT SB2550

Small Business and Grocer Investment Act; extend repealer on.

MT HB2350

Relating to financial assistance to small businesses; prescribing an effective date.

MT S178

Directing capital assistance to microbusinesses and small businesses

MT HB1453

Small Business and Grocer Investment Act; extend repealer on.

MT HF3881

Small business contracting requirements modified, report to the legislature on compliance required, and compliance plan requirements for certain public contracts over a threshold amount repealed.

MT SB460

To Modify The Compliance Advisory Panel; To Repeal The Marketing Recyclables Program Of The Compliance Advisory Panel; And To Declare An Emergency.

MT A11046

Requires the division for small-business to publish a small business compliance guide and post such guide to the division for small-business's website.

MT HB897

Small Business and Supplier Diversity, Department of; guidance to small businesses.

MT HB1361

Relating To Small Businesses.