Politics

A bill requiring insurance to cover birth control refills for up to a year at a time passed in the Senate Wednesday on a vote of 37-to-12.

Montana lawmakers and state agency leaders said Wednesday that they have a unique opportunity this year to invest in Montana’s behavioral health system – and it’s time to take it.

If legislation under consideration at the state Legislature moves forward, 2023 might be the last time city elections occur in an odd-numbered year.

A bill introduced to the Senate Taxation Committee would use grants to give survivors of domestic violence a place to go and hotels a reason to let them stay.

Together, the two bills seek to reduce the “amortization period” for four of Montana’s public pension systems – the length of time required to pay off the liability.

Republican Gov. Greg Gianforte and legislators agree that Medicaid rates need to rise; where they disagree is by how much.

The bill was designed to make sure advocacy groups can step in as soon as possible to help patients through abuse and neglect allegations and investigations.

Three Republicans – Sens. Greg Frazer of Deer Lodge, Mike Hopkins of Missoula, and Tom Welch of Dillon – joined 32 Democrats in voting against the bill, which passed a crucial second reading 65-35.

On a 68-32 party-line vote, the House endorsed House Bill 2, the main state budget bill, which sets out $14.3 billion in spending over the next two years.

Martin Kidston (Missoula Current) The field of candidates vying to become Missoula's next mayor grew deeper on Thursday when Andrea Davis announced her intent to run for the job. Davis, who serves as the executive director of Homeword, joins current Mayor Jordan Hess and city council member Mike Nugent in seeking the post...