Daily Montanan
Bill looks to reduce bar liability over accidents from overconsumption
As it stands now, under what is known as “dram shop law,” establishments selling or distributing alcoholic beverages can be fined damages, if the consumer was less than 21 years-old, was visibly intoxicated or if the establishment in some way coerced alcohol consumption.
Bill restricts local government from implementing rent control
A bill to prohibit local governments from enacting rent control on private property was critiqued in a hearing as redundant in Montana law and out of touch with the needs of Montana families.
University of Montana names law school dean finalists
Last school year, a search for dean of the UM law school failed. UM brought candidates to campus for interviews but did not seal the deal with any finalists.
Knudsen cites housing prices in Helena for $734K bill to increase legislator per diem
House Speaker Pro-Tempore Rhonda Knudsen cited Friday rising housing prices in Helena as reason to raise per diem rates an extra $39 for legislators’ lodging and meals.
Montana tries again on annual fees for electric vehicles
The bill would impose yearly fees on electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles when a Montana resident registers or updates their registration in order to offset state losses in gas tax revenue.
Group of Republicans announce creation of Montana Freedom Caucus
A group of Montana Republicans announced this week they formed the Montana Freedom Caucus, which includes all four of the Republican members appointed to the newly created select committee on election integrity.
Activists protest GOP supermajority on first day of 2023 Montana Legislature
A group of Montanans came to the state Capitol in Helena on the first day of the 2023 legislative session to show and tell the Republican supermajority they feel their agenda does not represent Montana as a whole.
GOP bill proposed in Arizona targets preferred pronoun use in schools
Arizona legislators are beginning to file bill proposals for the upcoming legislative session and one of the first seeks to restrict the use of students’ preferred pronouns in schools.
Committee to interview applicants for Commissioner of Political Practices job Wednesday
After the interviews are complete, the committee will have to submit at least two of the applicants to the governor for consideration, but they may submit up to all five candidates.
EPA proposes settlement for Clean Water Act violations on Blackfeet Reservation
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced a proposed settlement with a tribal water company on the Blackfeet Reservation that has agreed to pay $40,000 to settle violations of the Clean Water Act at two treatment facilities.