[{"_1":2,"_100":-5,"_101":-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],{"_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",6116633,"mediaKeyId","2732636-36b346ca93b397a99c051b3d979cbc4b","parentId",2732636,"title","Votes at a glance: key bills the Montana Senate passed March 21, 2025","audioSeconds",295,"startMs",4226000,"endMs",4521000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2732636-36b346ca93b397a99c051b3d979cbc4b&start=4226&end=4521","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2732636-36b346ca93b397a99c051b3d979cbc4b/thumbnail_4226000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6116633/Montana/Votes-at-a-glance-key-bills-the-Montana-Senate-passed-March-21-2025","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6116633-1fcefc2ecafbffb77f5d125862aa5437/orig.mp4?Expires=1770826601&Signature=UcF8VW2gXShYzxeIymsyIzPKA0fphpbdXsFqQkvhJnVSdxV~3wk3OVtJaun6vKgBjYX4axZO1owswjnMitBRj3T1p7t5CfAw1y5b403C8devV43ial4Q5zqRplyxQJmCOmLUlNpJStp0UowgH3rL9AVVJefZfnq-qmDGBiJo3uQOzhF3m3ey~FWcXxf4UEy2APKsAkrvYRtXYarCxm-iIlYIbeLWWkTph5x5OPQZ89UTNW~Iufi8uPJw4sgQmMbLB2xnBV0L5eaxU9AdOuTrJ-vP5rY4a0v1P77tuMS0Ss7-IqIDvssqHwM4oNVZBmIFrNUo32IXKKzTEn0vajkCjg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Montana Legislature","date","2025-03-21T00:00:00Z","article","HELENA, Mont. — The Montana Senate took votes on multiple bills March 21. The following is a concise list of bills that were voted on that day on the Senate floor, with the roll-call tallies reported by the clerk.

- House Bill 16 (infrastructure loan program and tax credit): Passed the Senate, 49–1.

- House Bill 18 (deposit of non-levy revenue; school equalization/property tax relief): Passed the Senate, 42–8.

- House Bill 15 (K–12 inflation implementation): Passed the Senate, 33–17.

- House Bill 24 (clarify laws related to kindergarten): Passed the Senate, 49–1.

- House Bill 46 (change of attorney laws for public defenders): Passed the Senate, 49–1.

- House Bill 28 (timelines and opening procedures for public charter schools): Passed the Senate, 42–8.

- House Bill 109 (professional licensing errata): Passed the Senate, 50–0.

- House Bill 151 (recruitment and retention; MSDB): Passed the Senate, 47–3.

- Senate Bill 95 (funding for suicide prevention): Passed the Senate, 39–11.

- Senate Bill 253 (administration and certification for student scholarship organizations): Passed the Senate, 45–5.

- Senate Bill 345 (workers' compensation evidentiary standards): Passed the Senate, 32–18.

- Senate Bill 471 (vehicle traffic laws related to pedestrian crossings): Passed the Senate, 34–16.

Also adopted during the committee-of-the-whole report and second-reading business were multiple concurrence recommendations and committee reports, including concurrence recommendations for a set of house bills (1 46, 1 57, 1 82, 1 75, 1 90, 2 10, 2 15, 2 49, 2 57, 3 35, 4 26 and 4 34) as reported by the committee of the whole prior to third reading.

Procedural notes

- Senate Resolution 9 (governor’s nominations to the Montana Arts Council) was adopted in committee and reported out with a unanimous committee recommendation earlier in the day; the committee reported nominees for concurrence.

- The Senate also moved several bills to Finance and Claims for appropriation consideration where the legislation included funding requests (for example, House Bill 182 and Senate Bill 74 were referred for finance work).

Ending

These votes reflect the Senate’s floor actions on March 21 and record the roll-call tallies as reported in the chamber. Details about amendments, fiscal notes, and next steps (appropriations or conference) will be handled in committee records and subsequent floor action.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Senate Floor Session - Friday, Mar 21, 2025 12:59 - 14:34","oneSentenceSummary","Below are bills and resolutions the Senate passed or concurred in during the March 21 session, with recorded vote tallies and short descriptions taken from the floor record.","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},6116638,"Senate approves $5 million competitive grant program for senior centers after debate over costs and eligibility",393,1395000,1788000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2732636-36b346ca93b397a99c051b3d979cbc4b&start=1395&end=1788","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2732636-36b346ca93b397a99c051b3d979cbc4b/thumbnail_1395000.jpg","/articles/6116638/Montana/Senate-approves-5-million-competitive-grant-program-for-senior-centers-after-debate-over-costs-and-eligibility","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6116638-74dce74fd38b566dec77ab0d84032a42/orig.mp4?Expires=1770826601&Signature=TnryGEaxgAANodlWD4N3QErdZOCGJ6bw5m3DotUclYCpoPbALxxHBp6NS3juF5SCq-pRCHch-g0Y-qDcbQj7EYX4mGvUKNbUSFdOiWIp~8NNEiN80qeyIcM~rNkE71EgkR47LA7rVfbsoDol7zf8oK0MIkP8nhAHmMW1a2lDuqN9GX-ZfxbCoo-388OyLxor2OegG~OZr1D-5pywdNbWEJx0hm1IWtcT9l2ENZtGEmr5OM6MNjACsFBWjvM6vxWBrUbOoP6x1H5Wv1HNOMn9bVBzNBB8YE5Bz6rkYO9DuvZJsfNEN-KvGTeWlQ269McXdQ~Hogeed7JBa1UbVlr3MQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","HELENA, Mont. — The Montana Senate on March 21 concurred in House Bill 182, a one-time $5 million grant program intended to fund capital construction, maintenance, repairs and equipment purchases for senior citizen centers across the state.

Senator Novak, carrying the bill on the Senate floor, described it as “a grant program that helps to fund construction, remodeling, and repairs, and equipment purchases for Montana senior citizen centers.” Novak said the bill requests a $5 million appropriation from one-time general fund surplus, that the Department of Commerce would administer the program, and that the maximum grant would be $250,000.

Novak said the program is competitive, is not ongoing, and is intended to help centers that otherwise must “beg” locally for small capital projects. “This is a small effort to look after that population and the folks that serve them in our senior centers around the state,” Novak said.

During floor discussion, Senator Denley Logie said he recused himself from carrying the bill because he has ties to multiple senior centers and described how the centers provide meals and meeting places and often lack funds for repairs. A committee member raised concerns about the fiscal note, noting the department’s estimate that it would cost $732,000 to administer the $5 million in grants — a relatively high administrative proportion.

Novak responded that eligible senior centers would be able to apply, and the program is designed as a dollar-for-dollar match. Supporters on the floor urged passage, describing small local centers with aging kitchens and facilities that could benefit from targeted funding.

The Senate vote on the motion to concur was 30 in favor and 20 opposed. The clerk recorded: \"With 30 senators voting aye and 20 voting no, House Bill 182 has passed second reading.\" The bill was then rereferred per Senate procedure for financing and claims as part of the legislative process for appropriation bills.

Discussion vs. decision

Discussion: The debate emphasized program design (competitive grants, dollar-for-dollar match), eligibility questions (whether a facility must be solely a senior center or could be multi-use), conflict-of-interest disclosures by members with ties to centers, and the fiscal note’s administrative-cost estimate.

Direction/assignment: The Department of Commerce would administer the competitive grant program under the bill’s terms; the bill requests a one-time $5 million appropriation.

Formal action: The Senate concurred on the bill’s recommendation and recorded the roll-call vote.

Ending

Supporters framed HB182 as targeted assistance for small community centers; critics asked for clearer eligibility rules and tighter fiscal controls. The bill’s requested appropriation and administrative costs will be handled through subsequent appropriations and committee work.

","Lawmakers approved House Bill 182, a one-time $5 million grant program administered by the Department of Commerce to fund repairs, equipment and construction at Montana senior centers. Debate focused on the fiscal note and whether eligibility and administrative costs were clearly defined.",{"_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},6116643,"Senate concurs on House Bill 214 authorizing state prosecution in some cases involving people in federal immigration custody",693,2243000,2936000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2732636-36b346ca93b397a99c051b3d979cbc4b&start=2243&end=2936","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2732636-36b346ca93b397a99c051b3d979cbc4b/thumbnail_2243000.jpg","/articles/6116643/Montana/Senate-concurs-on-House-Bill-214-authorizing-state-prosecution-in-some-cases-involving-people-in-federal-immigration-custody","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6116643-adf815c9bd9e199fa5151020c03eaeb6/orig.mp4?Expires=1770826601&Signature=iQKIkbiPwj3tB~NeiX4oW4btTgXmUcGLk0keQGXX4d7TVFkHuRZ25t9Ihb-ST2mbEOo6zNJNHao5CF2qd9JwoX3l9Srri3GDENrTy5ZkQdErc2e1fXjhEc7FbCO4a2lSw8vmawn1v9Ynz8OWMx6zwSAz7cr-7tNHW8AeI6Li-HkwmtyAvtzx4A6wCoOfDQjuNGUSF7U8z1tB~jJyVFfV~mUDONOdMy9Thn0HmPfiAYJZ8c2rpJetdHOsbv7zWqUS7AowMR~2zD8UFN3Hygw-Wx2z9leKaT4UUzMTYEgzO4Z-i51AVWbllSa2nmFjA8JL0K2qzO37mvBPKCw4xlKOFw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","HELENA, Mont. — The Montana Senate on March 21 voted 31-19 to concur in House Bill 214, a measure that would require county prosecutors to notify the state attorney general when they decline to prosecute certain cases involving people who are subject to federal immigration detention.

The bill’s sponsor, Senator Manzella, told the committee the measure “codifies that the state may actually prosecute illegal aliens who commit state crimes” and would address what he described as “catch and release” concerns when local prosecutors decline prosecution. Manzella also said the attorney general has supervisory authority over county attorneys.

Supporters said the measure would allow state authorities to step in where local prosecutors decline prosecution. Opponents — including Missoula County officials, who testified through Senator Olson — said the bill would impose substantial administrative burdens and costs. Olson said the county estimates it would require reviewing immigration status in many declined cases and that “they consider [that] to be about 7,000 cases per year.”

Senator Newman quoted the state attorney general’s written view and said, “This bill is not constitutional. Federal immigration enforcement is a civil enforcement.” Other opponents raised concerns about prison and fiscal impacts: Senator Smith warned that expanding state prosecutions across Title 45 could increase incarceration costs and said the bill likely has substantial fiscal implications.

Senator Emmerich and others defended the bill, arguing the requirement is limited to the specific class of cases described in subsection 1 and that the attorney general or courts would resolve broader constitutional questions. In closing, Manzella said some counties already absorb the cost of incarceration and said the bill “empower[s] our counties [and] empower[s] local law enforcement.”

The final vote was 31 in favor and 19 opposed. The clerk recorded: \"With 31 senators voting aye, and 19 senators voting nay, House Bill 214 has been concurred in.\" The bill will proceed according to the Legislature’s next steps for bills recommended for concurrence.

Discussion vs. decision

Discussion: Committee testimony and floor debate centered on whether the measure would (1) exceed state authority by encroaching on federal immigration enforcement, (2) impose new administrative duties on county attorneys, and (3) create uncalculated fiscal and incarceration costs.

Direction/assignment: The bill requires county prosecutors to notify the attorney general when they decline to prosecute the specific class of cases described in the bill’s subsection 1; the attorney general has supervisory authority as already codified in state law.

Formal action: The Senate concurred in House Bill 214 by voice/vote and recorded a roll-call tally of 31–19.

Ending

Passage of HB214 came after extended debate over constitutional limits and local fiscal impacts; opponents urged caution about costs and federal preemption, while supporters said the measure closes local prosecutorial gaps. Further legal review or court action could follow if the bill becomes law.

","The Montana Senate voted 31-19 to concur in House Bill 214, which would require county prosecutors to notify the attorney general if they decline to prosecute certain cases involving people subject to federal immigration detention. Lawmakers and county officials debated constitutional, fiscal and administrative impacts.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Votes at a glance: key bills the Montana Senate passed March 21, 2025

Senate approves $5 million competitive grant program for senior centers after debate over costs and eligibility

Senate concurs on House Bill 214 authorizing state prosecution in some cases involving people in federal immigration custody