The 67th Montana State Legislative Session

Montana’s 67th Legislative session formally adjourned on April 29th, with dueling sine die motions from the House and Senate bringing legislators’ work for 2021 to an official end. We recommend the following coverage from Montana Free Press to understand what occurred during the session:

The Session Week 18: What Happened During Montana's 2021 Legislative Session?

Winners, losers and mixed bags of the 67th Montana Legislature

The quiet bills

MNA's role during the session was two-fold:

  • We advocated for the strongest possible operating environment for Montana's nonprofit sector as a whole.
  • We served as a resource to the nonprofit community as it relates to nonprofits' rights and responsibilities as advocates, including lobbying.

 

Legislative Resources for Nonprofits

  • MNA Friday Morning Updates via Zoom | Gain up-to-date information on the issues impacting the nonprofit sector in Montana from MNA Executive Director, Liz Moore, from 7:30 - 8:00 a.m. each Friday morning. REGISTER HERE for the series and to attend any/all sessions.
  • MNA Friday Afternoon Update Emails | Information, resources, and calls-to-action as needed. SIGN UP for Policy News + Alerts.
  • MNA Technical 1:1 Support | Have an advocacy or legislative question? Email [email protected] to schedule an appointment.
  • MNA's Prerecorded Advocacy & Lobbying Training Series | Three-part series with supporting materials. PURCHASE for $45.00.

Pre-Session Legislative Report | Provided by MNA's Government Relations firm Crowley Fleck, this report serves as a legislative guide intended to assist nonprofits with navigating the Session. The report includes information on how to track bills of interest, how to view the Session online, and how to testify via Zoom. It also includes a list of legislative committees and contact information. READ REPORT.

Have Your Say Montana | This website outlines ways to participate in the Session safely. It includes a portal for submitting written testimony, writing a message, or requesting a Zoom link to testify in a hearing - all which much take place by noon the day prior to the hearing. VISIT SITE.

Montana State Legislative Website | Look up bills, search for legislators, request to testify remotely or upload your testimony, watch or listen to meetings, review revenue and budget information, and more. VISIT SITE.

Legislative SPOTLIGHT Series

  • Recently, MNA and Director Alme of the Montana Office of Budget and Program Planning engaged in a Q&A regarding Governor Gianforte's proposed budget. Watch the recording HERE.
  • We also had an insightful conversation with David L. Thompson, Vice President of Public Policy for the National Council of Nonprofits, regarding federal legislative issues impacting the nonprofit sector. Watch the recording HERE.
  • And, we rounded out our series with a conversation with Senator Jill Cohenour, Montana Senate Minority Leader. Watch the recording HERE.

Current Bills MNA is Tracking

 

BILL # BILL SHORT TITLE MNA POSITION STATUS
HB569 Generally revise tax laws related to nonprofit executive pay Opposed Tabled
SB399 Generally revise and simplify income taxes Monitored
SB65 Generally revise nonprofit corporation laws Supported Passed
SB78 Revise allowable special district assessment methods Opposed Tabled
HB253 Revise laws related to charitable trusts Monitored Tabled
HB272 Generally revise motor vehicle laws Monitored Tabled
SB162 Exempting religious organizations from certain campaign finance laws Opposed Tabled
HB 677 Revise laws to prohibit certain nonprofit organizations to purchase ag land Opposed Tabled
SB278 Generally revise civil liability law Opposed
SB215 Establish the religious freedom restoration act Opposed Passed
HB632 Implement receipt of and appropriate federal stimulus and COVID recovery funds Supported

 

You may look up proposed bills via the LAWS website.

Additional Resources to Explore