By Freddy Monares/UM Legislative News Service HELENA - When schools overestimate the number of students in their district, Montana property taxpayers end up eating that cost. House Bill 390, carried by Rep. Donald Jones, R-Billings, would return the excess money collected back to taxpayers the following year. The House Education Committee will hear first testimony on the … [Read more...] about Bill gives money back to taxpayers when schools overestimate enrollment

By Cole Grant/UM Legislative News Service HELENA - Democratic Governor Steve Bullock says the No. 1 concern he has with the Legislature’s proposed budget is the lack of funding for essential services. “That’s everything from senior and long-term care, to how they’re funding higher education, to what had been done with child protective services,” he said. The state is facing … [Read more...] about House could vote on state budget next week; governor decries cuts

By Freddy Monares/UM Legislative News Service A bill to include modern-day bed-and-breakfasts in the state’s collection of bed taxes has passed the Montana Senate and will now make its way to the House Taxation Committee Thursday. Sen. Dee Brown, R-Hungry Horse, is the sponsor of Senate Bill 150, which expands the definition of “accommodations” to include things like … [Read more...] about Should bed-and-breakfasts pay state ‘bed’ tax?

By Cole Grant/UM Legislative News Service HELENA - Montana Health and Human Services Director Sheila Hogan cautioned lawmakers Wednesday about what decreasing funding to her department might mean for Montanans. “The budget will dramatically impair the services we provide to seniors, and those with disabilities in Montana, and compromise our ability to serve Montana’s most … [Read more...] about House committee debates cuts to Health and Human Services

By Freddy Monares/UM Legislative News Service HELENA - A package of bills aimed at addressing youth suicide in Montana is working its way through the Legislature. One of those bills, House Bill 381, would allow school districts to create policies and procedures for suicide prevention and response specific to their communities. Rep. Dennis Lenz, R-Billings, is the sponsor … [Read more...] about Lawmakers consider measures combatting youth suicide