Montana's Senate State Administration Committee convened on March 28, 2025, to discuss House Bill 280, a legislative proposal aimed at enhancing government efficiency by dissolving the Interagency Coordinating Council for State Prevention Programs. Representative Lehi Bennett, who introduced the bill, emphasized that the council has not convened in over a decade and its functions have become redundant due to the successful integration of its initiatives into existing state agency programs.

Bennett outlined several key reasons for the bill's introduction, including the elimination of unnecessary administrative overhead, which would redirect taxpayer dollars to more impactful services. He argued that dissolving the council would streamline decision-making processes, enhance accountability, and allow state agencies to respond more swiftly to emerging needs. The bill aligns with national trends where many states have opted to delegate responsibilities to specific agencies rather than maintaining broad interagency councils.

Kevin Northey, a policy adviser to Governor Jane Forte, supported the bill, noting that the governor's office is reviewing various boards and councils to determine their necessity. He reiterated that the council's mission has been fulfilled and that its dissolution would contribute to a more efficient government structure.

The hearing saw no opposition, with representatives from the Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities Division also voicing their support. They highlighted the lack of publicly available data on the council's activities, reinforcing the argument that its functions are duplicative of current practices.

As the committee concluded the hearing, Bennett reiterated that the bill is not about reducing services but rather about ensuring that resources are utilized effectively to meet modern challenges. The committee's next steps will determine the future of House Bill 280 and its potential impact on Montana's governance.