[{"_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",6116601,"mediaKeyId","2732665-6bf543eac8298b41ae0c62ccb7c158dc","parentId",2732665,"title","Legislative subcommittee trims PSC staffing; commission urges reinstatement of rail-inspector position","audioSeconds",1868,"startMs",520000,"endMs",2388000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2732665-6bf543eac8298b41ae0c62ccb7c158dc&start=520&end=2388","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2732665-6bf543eac8298b41ae0c62ccb7c158dc/thumbnail_520000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6116601/Montana/Legislative-subcommittee-trims-PSC-staffing-commission-urges-reinstatement-of-rail-inspector-position","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6116601-0813e8218855cc28ad0de217716e2d28/orig.mp4?Expires=1770447645&Signature=jh-7arMM8KNMXPrNuzs6LEzZug4PFgLYd4Knxs~m-cLwZ0oc4igEtvuN0ru1osZgs8vKn3oCnkWJsmDNPmGkUqVk2zIKsC4m2ztyT8rE~e9SySE8nDvRMz~oeKatfbXBgtPh9t2w53QmI7cefOAGWwE8VhGn03iyW2KjcVBkLHyuIu814hAG9d764dm7HrqZTZBCjkHWmUuaQAXiVd3C9JKDlEEoJJ~TY3LGpwTG853lEMTPMCCwloyuhRNBjW~DaTsKR1cbKtutS9rMa-zTLbOkBHAXxAYu7oMNMKnVMazxkliqjEU31xSPCq-OCcMBMNVAnQxsqI02evX1R0FRKg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Montana Legislature","date","2025-03-21T00:00:00Z","article","The House Appropriations Committee's Section D subcommittee approved a reduced budget for the Montana Public Service Commission (PSC) but declined to fund one full personnel budget (DP 200) the commission asked for to support contested-case work and documentation and to free the PSC paralegal for legal research. Commission officials and some legislators pressed the panel to reinstate that position and to consider additional rail inspectors tied to House Bill 103.

The PSC asked the committee for an additional personnel budget item that the agency classified as an administrative assistant but described to the panel as a multi‑task position to log and manage legal documents, discovery responses and party lists for contested cases and MAPA proceedings. Commissioner Jennifer Fielder said the role “would be able to handle basically logging all of the legal documents” and free the agency paralegal to perform legal research; the commission asked the Legislature to consider amending the HB2 package to restore DP 200.

Why it matters: PSC contested cases and resource‑planning work (the commission has an approved $200,000 line in this budget for integrated resource planning) consume staff time. The commission told the subcommittee the extra administrative capacity would protect the small agency’s limited attorney time and improve regulatory operations. Several legislators who represent areas adjacent to rail lines also raised safety concerns and asked whether more state inspectors would reduce derailments.

Details of the discussion: Chairwoman Nave summarized the subcommittee’s thinking that the budget overall is relatively small within the state HB2 package and that the PSC asked for roughly 2.5 additional personnel but was approved for 1.5. PSC representatives confirmed the $200,000 resource-plan line was previously approved and remains in the package. Commissioner Fielder asked the committee to consider an amendment to reinstate DP 200.

On rail inspection policy, Rep. Powers and Rep. Tuss said they were disappointed the committee did not approve the inspectors that had been contemplated under HB103 (Zolnikov’s railroad bill). Representative Powers described rail lines running next to a Wild and Scenic River in his district and said he feared a spill or derailment that could contaminate Flathead Lake; Rep. Tuss cited prior fatal derailments and asked about the merits of adding inspectors.

PSC staff and Commissioner Fielder described the current structure: Montana has two certified car inspectors who inspect rail cars and find defects before cars leave yards; federal law/regulators (the FRA) are ultimately responsible for rail safety and have inspectors that cover multi‑state areas. PSC staff told legislators that the legislative auditor’s performance audit had recommended more inspectors and that the commission had voted to support HB103. The subcommittee said it added DP 400 (rail inspectors) to the HB2 sheet so the panel could discuss whether and how to fund an inspector program within HB2; the governor’s executive budget did not include the DP 400 inspector package.

What was decided and next steps: The subcommittee approved the PSC budget overall but did not approve the full personnel request for DP 200. PSC officials indicated they would seek an amendment on the House floor or in conference to restore DP 200; they also asked the committee to consider an amendment to reinstate inspector positions (DP 400) or support HB103. The commission told the committee it had unanimously voted to support HB103 and that agency management endorses adding inspectors if the Legislature elects to expand the state’s program. The commission representatives said that without clearer out‑of‑state comparative data demonstrating that state‑employed inspectors reduce derailments, the committee was reluctant to obligate the added recurring general‑fund or special‑fund positions.

Ending: The PSC closed its presentation noting improvements in agency management since 2021 and thanking the committee for its engagement; the subcommittee said it would consider amendments when HB2 comes back for executive action.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","House Appropriations - Friday, Mar 21, 2025 15:50 - 19:01","oneSentenceSummary","The House Appropriations Committee’s Section D subcommittee approved most of the Public Service Commission budget but did not fund one requested personnel package (DP 200) intended to support contested‑case document management and legal workflows; the commission urged reinstatement and reiterated its unanimous support for House Bill 103 adding rail inspectors.","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},6116595,"Subcommittee backs trooper pay raise and maintenance authority; DOJ seeks flexibility for academy repairs and radio payoff",604,3006000,3610000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2732665-6bf543eac8298b41ae0c62ccb7c158dc&start=3006&end=3610","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2732665-6bf543eac8298b41ae0c62ccb7c158dc/thumbnail_3006000.jpg","/articles/6116595/Montana/Subcommittee-backs-trooper-pay-raise-and-maintenance-authority-DOJ-seeks-flexibility-for-academy-repairs-and-radio-payoff","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6116595-cd189b84c4b45375f64542a784713957/orig.mp4?Expires=1770447645&Signature=kRv6I8V2KNvMGGhX~J9hKKXMBZwPFJrk-15NN~TdiAU09Sx6cFORozngsq0epE31qYL4kPk8Yp-h5rNqQB7F0VTRpI~lB1DXl71m67S4-jF~i~HqoeOC0PAZgNYaQRTBG76yi2FaywOGTuwtkhODNWxmnWwVEh9f98-JkN3W3iqAMHO8Rbo4aZHIlexByz0Fr-jl6cXOx0Yv6VFfANC5yRSSEdVKaS7rtAgbKzGNc08g~6IV0DFXJu92RaWE0eIXIGfmdbL18bmhtGhcs4DtlyXo3kWhyCTiWZYMOD7nEf33aFB77EB2Ee9cLTA4Jc2Rsv7GnnFKYtKTZHDxHRNUkw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The House Appropriations Committee’s Section D subcommittee endorsed a major pay increase for the Montana Highway Patrol, supported additional spending authority for the Montana Law Enforcement Academy (MLEA) and the Motor Vehicle Division’s new computer system, and approved debt payoff authority tied to the statewide radio build (phase 1). Department of Justice (DOJ) officials told the committee the trooper pay raise is intended to stop ongoing losses in patrol staffing and to make entry pay more competitive with county and municipal law enforcement.

The DOJ’s top official told the committee the highway patrol was “hemorrhaging” troopers six months ago and that the department requested a 14% increase (the executive request) to reach parity with competing agencies; the subcommittee left the 14% raise in HB2 but moved the funding source to the general fund, with an amendment expected to revisit whether the revenue should instead come from a dedicated tax (referred to in the hearing as the “Maserati tax” or related bill). DOJ said the increase should stop the immediate outflow and improve recruitment; the department reported active recruiting and many retirements that created current vacancies.

Why it matters: The highway patrol is not in the same bargaining unit as other state public employees; its pay is driven by a statutory salary survey and separate bargaining rounds. Committee members said they wanted a stable funding source rather than depending on a one‑time or volatile special revenue stream.

Other DOJ priorities: DOJ asked for additional authority (not necessarily new appropriations) to address MLEA maintenance needs — old campus buildings, failing septic lines and deferred maintenance that require work funded from state special revenues. DOJ officials said the funds are available but they need legislative spending authority to use them for specific repairs. The department also sought ongoing authority for maintenance of the Motor Vehicle Division’s new CARS (Credentialing and Registration System) after it successfully replaced the older Merlin system; DOJ said the conversion is complete and counties are trained.

Radio and repayment authority: The subcommittee approved authority to pay off outstanding loans tied to the phase‑1 radio build, freeing DOJ from the prior Merlin debt and making the state special revenue and ongoing maintenance authority align with current needs; committee members cautioned that the radio build was only phase 1 and that phase 2 and phase 3 remain to be financed and maintained.

Forensics, MMIP and victim services: DOJ presented other smaller items the subcommittee approved or tagged, including funding for victim services, forensic lab capacity (noting a difference between Billings and Missoula lab capabilities), a $40,000 one‑time contribution to a Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons (MMIP) fund and contingency language tying litigation/pension obligations to HB85’s passage.

Next steps and amendments: The subcommittee plans an amendment to change the trooper raise’s funding source (general fund to the special revenue stream referenced in the executive request) if the sponsor wishes; DOJ also expects to return with more detailed annual planning metrics requested by the committee so legislators can judge outcomes against intended goals (e.g., academy facility repairs, radio interoperability and forensic turnaround times).","The House Appropriations Committee Section D kept a 14% pay increase for Montana Highway Patrol troopers in its HB2 recommendation and granted DOJ additional spending authority for academy maintenance and to pay off radio‑system loans, while moving the funding source to the general fund subject to amendment.",{"_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},6116582,"Corrections budget keeps rehab focus; subcommittee grants one k‑9 team, seeks cost data for programs including tattoo removal",350,8400000,8750000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2732665-6bf543eac8298b41ae0c62ccb7c158dc&start=8400&end=8750","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2732665-6bf543eac8298b41ae0c62ccb7c158dc/thumbnail_8400000.jpg","/articles/6116582/Montana/Corrections-budget-keeps-rehab-focus-subcommittee-grants-one-k9-team-seeks-cost-data-for-programs-including-tattoo-removal","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6116582-0bd54d44222063f8f4d3f442243df035/orig.mp4?Expires=1770447645&Signature=CfmRE1aTtmNeIvteAcnNrjjqA~9arRVJrCeTzzcaHdx8ibyJE76dxptnvulALC2DkiU7~BTd8isyC1pT1G6x-hc7rTIOgtZ2N5b3vb9UYUIzvT2pHB108Ly6WbNPw6q2W21vCbKdgpITqTWF42h24qlSUWawfkaMnKHZfm8Ttypx7lf4xzeIPwaW-X9rZR58tnCKPqb1xF5U3ZyD6IhpgwqVY1XpXpgRn~qG91LBSNvNmGlzL3HZQPxEIXz-8EV5Lg8Nk-TW8QRhKqEpLolR6shhKIU1N3N83iIvxeG5kzqw1JfyPQezSbcfSO5LvZikTJFNwIJgXkx1W1Nj4LB1sw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Department of Corrections (DOC) presented an HB2 package focused on operations, rehabilitation programming and targeted provider rate increases. The House Appropriations Section D subcommittee approved an 8.2% increase above the 2025 base for DOC, increased county jail‑hold reimbursement caps and approved selected provider rate increases and equipment authority; the panel reserved fuller decisions on a four‑team canine program and a proposed tattoo‑removal initiative.

Why it matters: DOC operates Montana State Prison and the Montana Women’s Prison and contracts with private or local providers when capacity is exceeded. The committee sought clearer data on program costs and outcomes so appropriators can judge which rehabilitation offerings meaningfully reduce recidivism.

Key items: The subcommittee raised the baseline county jail‑hold reimbursement level to 350 holds (from around 250) to reflect a higher number of inmates in county custody at any given time. DOC asked for a 4‑team K‑9 program to support statewide searches and supervision; the subcommittee funded one k‑9 team in the base package but indicated it will consider an amendment on Monday to either restore all four teams or remove the request because a single team would not meet the agency’s stated statewide deployment needs. DOC said the k‑9s would be placed in Billings, Great Falls, Missoula and Kalispell and used across facilities and parole supervision as needed.

Rehab and costs: The committee spent an extended period on DOC’s rehabilitation and programming line items because members wanted a clearer output/cost framework. Chair Nave said the subcommittee’s goal is to know “what am I getting for my money” by calculating costs per student and per program. DOC reported preliminary steps to calculate a cost‑per‑student figure for at least one program and said it will continue that work so the legislature can compare program costs and outcomes.

Tattoo removal: DOC requested funding for a tattoo‑removal program the chair described as a recidivism‑support measure used in other states where gang‑related tattoos can impede reintegration; the subcommittee removed that program from the package pending further data, noting it wanted to see clearer outputs and evidence that state funds would be well spent.

Other items: DOC received partial approvals for vehicle replacements and technology upgrades through Montana Correctional Enterprises, a two‑percent pre‑release center rate increase (one time) because of an RFP gap, and a request to make certain departmental authorities biennial. DOC asked the committee to consider biennial appropriation authority because of programmatic needs that cross fiscal years.

Next steps: DOC will either work with sponsors to restore the full canine request or see it removed; the agency will continue to produce cost‑per‑program metrics and has one‑time and biennial authority amendments pending for executive action.","The appropriations subcommittee increased county hold reimbursements and approved a limited corrections package focused on rehab programming and equipment, approving one k‑9 team while reserving decision on the DOC’s full request for four teams and a proposed tattoo‑removal program.",{"_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},6116587,"Judiciary seeks permanent pretrial funding and two judges for Yellowstone County; subcommittee approves two judges, not full pretrial package",469,7557000,8026000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2732665-6bf543eac8298b41ae0c62ccb7c158dc&start=7557&end=8026","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2732665-6bf543eac8298b41ae0c62ccb7c158dc/thumbnail_7557000.jpg","/articles/6116587/Montana/Judiciary-seeks-permanent-pretrial-funding-and-two-judges-for-Yellowstone-County-subcommittee-approves-two-judges-not-full-pretrial-package","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6116587-a22a589f58ad60c895587f095250b50d/orig.mp4?Expires=1770447645&Signature=ZV7~Fa5ZNjG7dsFEnd13akvqcQLHPBekEhF6X9j1MYhXQ5GncdU4iwtq5ZVrU6ePUogWPG8xZL2INn8vwHeH2yH4vmm404RndmP2zbUBYPen7ehCUwIon70kfs~gv0nhxMCXrKjhJw4kkELUCDIN5aqhmYw1cK4M6uvlcsjv~NDC8u1C~PHu9JcB9wGUacOPzsUWBRT1SztAyjRIVScJSXPxvJTtmmdsvRHxF2DEJx4A2L93Xcq2KDvtv4NyeKHHwmyActzSxulD5bJzJtBqff47fKitszrQk2CnI2178-2hHjX5P7BqFaDHWWUVVBJOam2-TwQJKbIYvu~jxz5NSQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Montana judicial branch urged the House Appropriations Section D subcommittee to fund an ongoing pretrial assessment and supervision program and to add judges to address high caseloads in Yellowstone County. Chief Justice Corey Swanson and Supreme Court Administrator David McAlpin told the committee the pretrial program provides rapid, data‑driven information (PSAs) to judges and funds county‑level supervision and monitoring that can reduce unnecessary pretrial detention.

Why it matters: Judiciary officials said the pretrial program helps reduce jail populations, preserve law enforcement arrest capacity and provide risk assessments judges use at arraignment. The court asked the Legislature to convert one‑time or grant funding into ongoing support for the program because counties that use the program showed measurable operational benefits, including faster screening and community supervision alternatives.

Yellowstone judges: The judicial branch requested three additional district judges for the Thirteenth Judicial District (Yellowstone County). The subcommittee approved two judges and directed the judicial branch to explore specialized dockets to generate efficiencies. Administrator McAlpin cited large criminal dockets — including dozens of homicides in recent filings — as a driver for the additional judicial capacity.

Pretrial program details: The court described the Helena‑based PSA unit that prepares pretrial risk assessments and the county grants that support supervision and testing; the program’s central office is described as a secure unit with access to criminal‑justice databases that produces validated screening reports for participating counties. The judicial branch said the program’s annual cost (roughly $615,000 total across Helena and the on‑the‑ground county supports) is concentrated in five counties (Yellowstone, Missoula, Butte‑Silver Bow, Lewis and Clark, and Lake) and that additional counties have used PSA services at no cost where the court provided them.

What the subcommittee did: The panel granted two of the three requested judgeships and did not fund the pretrial program as a statewide ongoing appropriation; committee members said some counties already perform similar work locally and asked the judiciary for a clearer assessment of costs, outcomes and county participation. Administrator McAlpin requested that the committee consider the program’s jail‑population and recidivism savings when evaluating the cost.","The judicial branch asked the subcommittee to make the temporary pretrial program permanent and to add three judges in Yellowstone County; the subcommittee approved two judges and did not adopt the full pretrial funding request, leaving the program’s statewide expansion unresolved.",{"_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},6116592,"Public defenders press for multi‑year hiring plan as caseload shortfall exceeds 40 attorney equivalents",670,4909000,5579000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2732665-6bf543eac8298b41ae0c62ccb7c158dc&start=4909&end=5579","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2732665-6bf543eac8298b41ae0c62ccb7c158dc/thumbnail_4909000.jpg","/articles/6116592/Montana/Public-defenders-press-for-multiyear-hiring-plan-as-caseload-shortfall-exceeds-40-attorney-equivalents","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6116592-b93d909f22a49b01dbc7590b1c45f439/orig.mp4?Expires=1770447645&Signature=e1g0o96rSBTZxncPzC-qwOs10ngvi02EDAQnvoW6dyClvj0X7lavF84QHE6dpWGohQ~Xq7AnVFMQCp6uvJoMrla5qWTFMBAQziSoxWVhSAzuLV~AlLUgH4q-9SuezHDOOumbikuk0gM~~FB~I7M044JCVG4shy~TN2Bb~KdmrA1yJpIto3iWbjuRC7LuCbU0QV5isuag1XWs2p-A6Ny5U-8CczGJ653MMvnDg29TG6Xxn1XTjsLdpd4Xomb-r475~hcyKvJ7zvfyK7mvs75r7ViijAPj7yoaod0YN5-VbVZXVZIRH0fbGzrI-PCEtL-PjCXARYnWZMZjBrUZbpHNUA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Office of the State Public Defender (OPD) told the Section D subcommittee it is operating with a substantial shortfall in attorney capacity and proposed a five‑year plan to close the gap. Director Sabri Shandelson (recorded as \"Shandelson\" in the hearing) said OPD’s most recent internal data show the office is short roughly 42 full‑time‑equivalent attorneys in order to meet its internal assignment timeliness target; the agency proposed adding eight FTEs per year for five years to close that gap.

Why it matters: OPD is statutorily required to provide counsel in many case types and frequently must assign defenders statewide; director Shandelson said appointment delays had produced an effective shortfall of about 42 attorney equivalents. The shortfall leads the agency to depend on contract attorneys; OPD said its existing contract pay (about $71 per hour restored in 2022 after a prior cut) is low compared with the market and makes it difficult to secure high‑quality contractor capacity in every part of the state.

What the subcommittee did: The panel converted a number of modified positions to permanent status, authorized a partial program of new FTEs (a phased smaller set than OPD requested — the committee approved four FTEs in year one and four in year two rather than eight per year), and provided an increase in the contract hourly rate, while noting the agency will likely return with supplemental requests if caseloads continue to rise. Chair Nave told the committee the subcommittee intentionally funded half the request to allow OPD to provide actual cost data later in a supplemental.

Director Shandelson said OPD recruits strongly from law schools but that Montana’s single law school produces only roughly 70–80 graduates a year; to meet statewide coverage needs OPD increasingly recruits from out‑of‑state law schools and uses contract lawyers. The director said he would continue outreach to law students and that OPD has succeeded in hiring a notable share of third‑year law students but remains well short of the staff needed to eliminate the appointment backlog.

Policy language and companion bill: Section D’s companion bill will include language directing a lawyer‑study and proposing changes to statutory assignment rules the agency says drive workload (for example, the department said prior statute changed discretionary appointments for minors in abuse/neglect cases to a mandatory “shall” appointment; the companion bill would revisit that requirement). The subcommittee said it expects that language to be debated and voted in the companion bill process and noted the companion bill could modify statutes if necessary.

Next steps: OPD asked the Legislature to consider either restoring more FTEs over multiple sessions or to fund contract rates at a level sufficient to attract attorneys across Montana’s varied legal markets. The department will provide updated vacancy and caseload information and may request supplements during the session to cover unanticipated caseload growth.","The Office of Public Defender told the appropriations subcommittee it is roughly 42 FTEs short of timely assignment capacity, proposed an eight‑per‑year, five‑year hiring plan and urged higher contract rates; the subcommittee funded a modest multi‑year increase and authorized higher contract rates but stopped short of the full request.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Legislative subcommittee trims PSC staffing; commission urges reinstatement of rail-inspector position

Subcommittee backs trooper pay raise and maintenance authority; DOJ seeks flexibility for academy repairs and radio payoff

Corrections budget keeps rehab focus; subcommittee grants one k‑9 team, seeks cost data for programs including tattoo removal

Judiciary seeks permanent pretrial funding and two judges for Yellowstone County; subcommittee approves two judges, not full pretrial package

Public defenders press for multi‑year hiring plan as caseload shortfall exceeds 40 attorney equivalents