In a recent meeting of the House Energy, Technology, and Federal Relations Committee, lawmakers engaged in significant discussions regarding proposed legislation and resolutions that could impact the privacy of Montanans and the state's approach to energy regulation.

One of the key topics was House Resolution 3 (HR 3), which urges the Montana congressional delegation to protect the personal identifiable information of residents from the Department of Government Efficiency (Doge). Representative Millett expressed strong support for the resolution, emphasizing the importance of personal privacy for Montanans. An amendment to the resolution was proposed, which would direct the congressional delegation to advocate directly to the President of the United States regarding these privacy concerns. The amendment received broad support, passing with 13 votes in favor and only one against.

The committee also discussed Senate Bill 330 (SB 330), which involves the development of regulations related to energy. During the deliberation, concerns were raised about the language used in the bill, particularly the term "shall," which implies a mandatory action. Some committee members noted that while the intention is to develop knowledge and regulations, the wording could be seen as overly prescriptive. Ultimately, the bill passed with a vote of 8 to 6, moving it forward to the House for further consideration.

Looking ahead, the committee chair, Representative Burns, indicated that the next meeting would feature discussions on two energy-related bills and one resolution. This suggests a continued focus on energy issues, which are increasingly relevant as Montana navigates its energy future amidst growing demands and regulatory challenges.

Overall, the meeting highlighted the committee's commitment to addressing both privacy concerns and energy regulation, reflecting broader societal issues that resonate with many Montanans. As these discussions progress, the outcomes could have lasting implications for residents' privacy rights and the state's energy policies.