[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6304016,"mediaKeyId","2469367-4861230872ebdac9a323a93a1b3a48f7","parentId",2469367,"title","Senate eases process for motor vehicle repair liens, allowing smaller courts to hear abandoned vehicle cases but drawing due‑process objections","audioSeconds",552,"startMs",6400000,"endMs",6952000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2469367-4861230872ebdac9a323a93a1b3a48f7&start=6400&end=6952","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2469367-4861230872ebdac9a323a93a1b3a48f7/thumbnail_6400000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6304016/Montana/Senate-eases-process-for-motor-vehicle-repair-liens-allowing-smaller-courts-to-hear-abandoned-vehicle-cases-but-drawing-dueprocess-objections","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6304016-be58aafdcbe3ebabddec7949b00224f6/orig.mp4?Expires=1771202631&Signature=Cxt2oTnGfoqGYUTCUCsL9ZqAZr4m1xha9Bv3XOI5Nq-zho8flS8j1eU-NmMIdvuA4U6dHQfbjYNPkgF8BCF3drHnEkl7-mTJGAdSKOoRU55AdHnu2EBYqAH00Q9kXnYIeIOZmz3I9JdXmnc79ySqHhj7Vs7-7hyLXVEnxoqsKiufOA30NXuapplYigF~6RF7p~Bq-YKx9iOdZbo01nPmCMB4eQ~~tBTBEGInnyRGIaj5ZTbWpgvOashb9gRDWhJk6B5KKOcN8PYmJHvKtiu31Nj9JNqWpsB65f1fA7A7oVZkyiWMLpp3x-ZSdpAIW-pLn2xVQzd6Wc9qYKPSLQTRyw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Montana Legislature","date","2025-03-01T00:00:00Z","article","Senate Bill 373, carried by Sen. Bill Usher, passed second reading after floor discussion focusing on abandoned vehicles, repair‑shop liens and the methods used to notify owners.

What the bill does: Key changes include permitting a court of competent jurisdiction other than district court to handle enforcement of repair‑shop liens for vehicles, clarifying the procedure for issuing an order to show cause, and adjusting service and filing locations to speed resolution for businesses with abandoned vehicles on their lots.

Why it matters: Small repair shops and dealerships told the committee they often carry the cost and space burden of vehicles left unclaimed; the bill aims to streamline the legal path to recover costs and clear lots. Opponents argued changes to service methods risk violating due process because certified mail and first‑class mail are less reliable than personal service.

Main floor debate

- Sponsor’s rationale: Sen. Usher said businesses can face long delays and storage costs for abandoned vehicles and that the bill allows lower tribunals (justice court, small claims) to adjudicate these claims.

- Due process concern: Sen. Sandra Olson questioned removing Montana Rules of Civil Procedure personal‑service requirements and noted mail delivery is unreliable in parts of the state. She cautioned that replacing personal service with certified mail could leave motorists unaware of court dates.

- Support from businesses: Several senators said local shops supported the change because it speeds disposition of abandoned vehicles and helps free up critical space.

Floor actions and outcome

- Motion to recommend passage — Senate Bill 373 passed second reading on a recorded vote of 39 ayes and 11 nays.

Notable transcript excerpts

- Sen. Usher: “Currently auto dealers have over a hundred abandoned vehicles sitting on their lots ... This really only does 3 things ... freeing up our district courts ... and explains ... the process for issuing the order to show cause.”

- Sen. Olson: Raised constitutional due‑process concerns over removing personal service requirements and noted that certified mail may not ensure timely notice.

Next steps: Because the bill passed second reading, it may be scheduled for a third‑reading vote on final passage. If enacted, clerks and justice courts will need procedures for issuing orders and for service by mail; courts may also need guidance to safeguard due process in rural areas with less reliable mail service.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Senate Floor Session 2025-03-01","oneSentenceSummary","Senate Bill 373 passed second reading and would let repair shops seek judicial relief for abandoned vehicles in more courts (justice court, small claims) rather than requiring district court; opponents warned the bill reduces personal‑service safeguards and may raise due‑process concerns.","taxTitle","2025 Legislature MT, Montana","taxId",77694,"location","Montana","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6304021,"Senate passes distracted‑driving measure ('Chloe's Law') after emotional floor debate",2698,10843000,13541000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2469367-4861230872ebdac9a323a93a1b3a48f7&start=10843&end=13541","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2469367-4861230872ebdac9a323a93a1b3a48f7/thumbnail_10843000.jpg","/articles/6304021/Montana/Senate-passes-distracteddriving-measure-Chloes-Law-after-emotional-floor-debate","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6304021-5da77d8981a2fe911dd891222080264a/orig.mp4?Expires=1771202631&Signature=XpPzNrbvgcWDm8~OEk-VkagOkssRTWg3PEqOyfku8LIwAKSbsZAHD~IohsCxGTZpoUDjCTMuNPOcTyqkQLXY74Kr~RVS6RKb92zZmjaaeDaV8FedY3CZMcU3DvY64S-JwIYQO~9JTjYfD8w1TBpyg8Apt-TE0~Rpg~njO25Ndnf5HP6Lc5-OxgqmtwuX8SXhTdifpgM2mQvUSmyLHe87BdDpIbOtE82VSgvpIbjtILIW2FWBV3IitkCZCsucb7dp3GaPCJhsKDyQUJSh~cE4K0cDuivDeqGoGMBqcsg8L2lMBzKbKLciAKzR-CHGyt7C1uUdkQ32uP4TUptZl1DiYg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Senate Bill 359, sponsored by Sen. Jill Novak and often described in testimony as “Chloe’s Law,” passed second reading after floor debate that mixed personal testimony and technical questions about enforcement, exceptions and penalties.

What the bill would do: In broad terms the bill prohibits holding or using a handheld wireless communication device while operating a vehicle, requires hands‑free operation in most driving situations, and provides specified exceptions (law‑enforcement operations, emergency reporting, and other narrow categories). It also establishes civil penalties and identifies enforcement as a primary offense so a motorist can be stopped for an observed violation.

Why it matters: The measure addresses distracted driving — which lawmakers and safety advocates repeatedly described as a leading cause of crashes for younger drivers. Proponents said the bill provides law enforcement with a tool to deter unsafe phone use; opponents raised concerns about inconsistent enforcement, disproportionate impacts and numerous exceptions in the draft.

Floor highlights

- Sponsor’s account: Sen. Novak said she introduced the bill after the 2021 crash that killed a former student she taught; she described the bill as a safety measure and a deterrent, and said it had strong support from law enforcement and first responders at the committee hearing.

- Enforcement and exceptions: Several senators asked detailed questions about exceptions for law enforcement, emergency responders, in‑vehicle embedded screens, and autonomous or partially autonomous vehicles. Novak and other supporters said the bill is narrowly tailored for handheld devices and is not intended to impede legitimate emergency operations.

- Penalties and fairness: Opponents questioned the size of the penalties and noted uneven enforcement risk; proponents emphasized the bill is intended to protect life and provide a measurable tool for officers.

Floor actions and outcome

- Motion to recommend passage — Senate Bill 359 passed second reading on a recorded vote of 33 ayes and 17 nays.

Representative quotations (floor transcript):

- Sen. Novak (sponsor): “It is about education and prevention while providing law enforcement a tool that addresses concerns that they have.”

- Opponents raised enforcement concerns including disparate enforcement and the bill’s exceptions; one senator said the measure could create a “policing for profit” dynamic if local governments used enforcement to generate revenue.

Next steps: The bill will be eligible for third reading; sponsors and opponents may continue to negotiate language about exceptions for embedded vehicle systems and for emergency responders.

Context: Novak noted Montana is one of the last states without a statewide hands‑free statute; the bill’s proponents included law‑enforcement organizations and Montana Department of Transportation safety staff at the committee hearing.","Senate Bill 359, a hands‑free distracted driving bill carried as ‘Chloe’s Law’ by Sen. Novak, passed second reading after an emotional floor debate that included victim testimony, law‑enforcement support and concerns about enforcement and civil liberties.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6304027,"Senate advances bill to prevent single‑family–only zoning; allows duplex, triplex and fourplex in many neighborhoods",318,1662000,1980000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2469367-4861230872ebdac9a323a93a1b3a48f7&start=1662&end=1980","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2469367-4861230872ebdac9a323a93a1b3a48f7/thumbnail_1662000.jpg","/articles/6304027/Montana/Senate-advances-bill-to-prevent-singlefamilyonly-zoning-allows-duplex-triplex-and-fourplex-in-many-neighborhoods","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6304027-be92b529cc8f0a3e8f3d623778a9a8bf/orig.mp4?Expires=1771202631&Signature=UyXezpvtyp6zgX1XLghNF~tEVhI3JEp2FgI56aDgkmLHUt7dfFQUNf5UldYQACj5WqWBkyEsrHQnRFIKWSvAicIH9hdMYmJqcIbXB8waEipIYqdRu4J6jmZ1~VcInJUF4vV72CmxA-PQRjaFnzW-VO8Mpt6ohOITQhrLSbTwQDVQysRjD~MS9cpIPY2yAPlCf0ODX78oaOyA~PgTcKf5bSlm26ZoJbVpdr9etB0iZ3pKixd2tbs035zXaw9D7V~Xrt1AkYjnjejrcvzVvx2nlLNSjvsPW5uOxSgIGfSyvj3h6P5rB8DICDnSWT5a0BaNRL56zHsUn2YZFpDJZxyfZQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Senate Bill 266 (sponsored by Sen. Trevis) passed second reading after floor discussion highlighting housing supply concerns and implementation timing.

The bill would require certain cities to allow duplexes, triplexes and fourplexes in zones where single‑family homes are allowed, and it would prohibit zoning that forbids those multiunit options in districts that permit single‑family housing. Sponsor testimony and floor remarks framed the bill as a supply‑side approach to Montana’s housing shortage.

Why it matters: Supporters argued SB 266 makes more efficient use of existing infrastructure and adds supply without direct subsidy. Opponents warned about local planning capacity, water/wastewater infrastructure, and that the change may not alone lower housing costs.

Key points from the floor

- Scope and intent: Sen. Trevis described SB 266 as largely restoring language from the 2023 bill (Senate Bill 323) and noted the bill’s delayed effective date so cities can prepare. He said the bill is “meant to increase the supply of housing without subsidies to meet demand.”

- Local planning concerns: Questions from other senators focused on whether the bill would force taller or denser buildings into single‑family neighborhoods and how zoning districts would be administered.

- Effective date: The sponsor and supporters moved the implementation date to Oct. 1, 2026 to allow local governments time to adapt rules and avoid overwhelming planning staffs.

Floor actions and outcome

- Motion to recommend passage — Senate Bill 266 passed second reading on a recorded vote of 33 ayes and 17 nays.

Excerpts from the floor

- “The basic idea is to bring the abatement up to 50,000 from 25,000 ...” (Sen. Trevis made a framing comment while discussing a different bill earlier; on SB 266 he said it is meant to “increase the supply of housing without subsidies.”)

- When asked whether a neighborhood could have a mix of single‑family homes and duplexes/triplexes, Trevis answered, “I believe that is what I'm saying.”

Next steps: The bill goes to third reading if the sponsor pursues final passage. Municipal planners and local governments will need to watch implementation details (definitions and timeline) if the bill advances further.","Senate Bill 266, sponsored by Sen. Trevis, cleared second reading after proponents said it lifts restrictions on duplex, triplex and fourplex housing to expand supply while opponents raised implementation and local planning concerns.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6304031,"Senate advances bill to require voter reauthorization of certain levies, with exemptions for schools and emergency services",1243,3469000,4712000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2469367-4861230872ebdac9a323a93a1b3a48f7&start=3469&end=4712","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2469367-4861230872ebdac9a323a93a1b3a48f7/thumbnail_3469000.jpg","/articles/6304031/Montana/Senate-advances-bill-to-require-voter-reauthorization-of-certain-levies-with-exemptions-for-schools-and-emergency-services","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6304031-456c9bd306f5d6153f4e5fb3ff925050/orig.mp4?Expires=1771202631&Signature=R4cx6pest2~X0FmpfM20nzWZW6dEZ40e7XXNlUd~yO7uQMVUYcFfsL5N1UuHl6xIGtYAKCHWG4FJKMDCvYFCT3mVFSMHA~rJNr60ajKFvKganrgzjX6AyfDYCPTRWr~YkIwBrzmE-aJg6H7WKP-62TFSXMRi4ZbFt6WmqiCPeB7Q9CQz5VKwluxZQGbiMsH7Zz4rpHKUkaBodWjTLUDSjuV2W-CFHOkf0k01mbGtBOEgINQ7ICLFWMYd~E-YzMJ4jJKiXaUKH2xBjzbN0MnDoAk2HOI6P1jlAXKy-hQ7PGUjbnZ2JHdq10KxwT0C5T~rXv14IQcPZWa-WZ3g8lAt2g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Senate Bill 204, a proposal that would limit the duration of certain local mill levies and require reauthorization by voters, passed second reading after an extended floor debate and an amendment carving out many essential public services.

The bill originally proposed to require voter reapproval for some existing levies and to terminate some levies unless extended before the termination date. Senator Jennifer Hertz, the bill sponsor, brought a floor amendment that exempts school levies, community college levies, law enforcement, fire protection and emergency medical services levies from the new reauthorization requirement.

Why it matters: The measure is aimed at giving property taxpayers more frequent choices about non‑core levies (for example parks and recreation or other special purpose levies). Supporters called it “voter choice” and argued it will return more control to taxpayers. Opponents said it would tie the hands of local elected officials, increase election costs, disrupt budgets for essential services, and shift fiscal uncertainty to counties and cities.

Key points from the debate

- Sponsor’s intent: Sen. Jennifer Hertz said the bill “gives the voters a choice” about levies that accumulate on top of other property taxes and said the amendment addresses many earlier complaints.

- Local government concerns: Several senators (including members who represent growing urban areas) argued the bill would create budget uncertainty for local governments, hamper planning for infrastructure and services, and produce added election costs.

- Exemptions and amendment: Senators negotiated a major amendment that carved out school levies, certain community college levies and essential emergency services. That amendment passed on the floor 48‑2.

Floor actions and outcomes

- Amendment SP0204.001.005 (sponsor: Sen. Hertz) — posted and deemed read; sponsor described the change as exempting school, law enforcement, fire and emergency medical levies; amendment adopted on a recorded vote of 48 ayes, 2 nays.

- Motion to recommend passage (as amended) — Senate Bill 204 passed second reading on a recorded vote of 30 ayes and 20 nays. The transcript shows Senators debated the merits at length before the final vote.

What to watch next: The bill will go to third reading if the sponsor pursues final passage on the floor. Local governments and school districts that track levy elections should review the final bill language and implementation timetable if the measure advances.

Statements from the floor (excerpted):

- “This bill just won't die. ... I think we have a good bill in its current format right now,” Sen. Hertz said while describing the amendment and her outreach to communities.

- “We here in Helena should not be tying the hands of local citizens and their elected officials,” Sen. Sarah Pope said in opposition, noting the cost and critical services funded locally.

Votes at the end of the hearing were recorded on the Senate floor and entered in the journal as required.","Senate Bill 204, sponsored by Sen. Hertz, was amended on the floor to exempt some essential levies and passed second reading after extended debate about local control, voter choice and effects on local budgets.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6304037,"Senate clears bundle of bills on third reading; several unanimous votes",158,1243000,1401000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2469367-4861230872ebdac9a323a93a1b3a48f7&start=1243&end=1401","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2469367-4861230872ebdac9a323a93a1b3a48f7/thumbnail_1243000.jpg","/articles/6304037/Montana/Senate-clears-bundle-of-bills-on-third-reading-several-unanimous-votes","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6304037-0791a502b5e274841b2be3b2a26d64f7/orig.mp4?Expires=1771202631&Signature=cP8xZkcpldMYIuThUoNCktnSAu72vPcix4o~bF~q0xJtwi5TJJFj0S2c10~pvxDBRnW1Ijyoc6Eqqh-58o6nobsCd8vEWvlbbs6cV07k3w83Pb10bbhr756YdPc1GrfpxcvMa1mwN4JtHgpUtVKdXoMwcOZqmVD6LeDbLpMqBv51qC5kU7On958bv9hWVlyoOtVQ4PP9OPqG7BJBaQAi2TX-US4SmVMsKhDmX92NsQ5xbSFJkEp4vbmGGKZ-7LdMMZflk6UFsPCbAYZyJDvTx~JN1cMO2V4c6UxHdnm1T8zqxpQ3AeyhdX4jRaKVifgwksmW1jXmX~AfEUfFmGj2vA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Montana Senate took a series of third‑reading votes early in the session on a package of bills, approving most and rejecting a few.

The roll call covered a mix of procedural, statutory and policy bills. Several measures passed unanimously or by lopsided margins; one notable item failed on a close vote.

Why it matters: Third‑reading votes send bills to the other chamber and mark the Legislature’s first formal, floor‑level outcomes. The tallies below show which measures drew substantial floor support and which split the chamber.

Summary of third‑reading outcomes (floor tally as announced on the record):

- Senate Bill 21 (introduced by Sen. Usher) — passed (outcome recorded on the floor; tally not specified in the transcript excerpt). Evidence: “Senate Veil 21 have been read through several times. ... Well, Senate Bill 21 has passed the Senate.”

- Senate Bill 127 (introduced by Mandela) — failed, 23 ayes, 27 nays.

- Senate Bill 112 (introduced by Zollnikov; listed as “Senate bill 1 12” in the transcript) — passed, 50 ayes, 0 nays.

- Senate Bill 227 (introduced by McKinney; transcript numeric shown as “2 27”) — passed, 49 ayes, 1 nay.

- Senate Bill 242 (introduced by McCain; transcript numeric shown as “2 42”) — passed, 31 ayes, 19 nays.

- Senate Bill 243 (introduced by Bolden; transcript numeric shown as “2 43”) — passed, 47 ayes, 3 nays.

- Senate Bill 245 (introduced by Yackovich; transcript numeric shown as “2 45”) — passed, 49 ayes, 0 nays.

- Senate Bill 246 (introduced by Newman; transcript numeric shown as “2 46”) — passed, 44 ayes, 6 nays.

- Senate Bill 252 (introduced by Fern; transcript numeric shown as “2 52”) — passed, 48 ayes, 1 nay.

- Senate Bill 296 (introduced by Iaccoach; transcript numeric shown as “2 96”) — passed, 50 ayes, 0 nays.

- Senate Bill 312 (introduced by Morgeau; transcript numeric shown as “3 12”) — passed, 43 ayes, 7 nays.

The transcript contains the verbatim roll‑call announcements and the clerk’s tallies used above; those floor record entries are cited in provenance below.

What’s next: Passed bills will be transmitted to the House as the Senate’s action; failed bills must be reconsidered or refiled in later action if sponsors choose.","The Montana Senate passed or failed a series of bills on third reading early in the session, sending a package of measures to the House. Tallies ranged from unanimous approvals to close votes on contested measures.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Senate eases process for motor vehicle repair liens, allowing smaller courts to hear abandoned vehicle cases but drawing due‑process objections

Senate passes distracted‑driving measure ('Chloe's Law') after emotional floor debate

Senate advances bill to prevent single‑family–only zoning; allows duplex, triplex and fourplex in many neighborhoods

Senate advances bill to require voter reauthorization of certain levies, with exemptions for schools and emergency services

Senate clears bundle of bills on third reading; several unanimous votes