The House Energy Committee considered executive action on Senate Bill 330, an act to create the Montana Blockchain and Digital Innovation Task Force. The committee approved two amendments and concluded executive action with a roll-call tally of 8 ayes and 6 noes to send the twice-amended bill to the House floor.

Amendments and votes: An amendment (2.1) addressing legislative participation in the task force was moved and passed by voice vote; the clerk recorded 13 ayes and 2 noes. Later the committee approved a conceptual amendment to allocate appointments so each chamber’s minority leader could appoint one member (the amendment passed 14-0). After those changes the sponsor moved concurrence in the twice-amended bill; the final executive-action roll call was 8 ayes and 6 noes.

Bill purpose and duties: The bill creates a task force to study blockchain and digital-asset issues, specifying membership, duties and a termination date. The task force’s duties in the draft include developing recommendations on state policy and regulation for blockchain technologies; committee discussion noted the bill’s language used "shall" in places that anticipate work product but does not itself create regulatory authority.

Concerns about membership and conflicts: Representative Joy and others raised concerns that industry representatives could dominate recommendations and asked for explicit minority-party appointment rights. Joy said she was particularly worried the task force could become "an area where...industry representatives ... may make a recommendation for regulations that aren't in the best interest" of the public. The sponsor and members agreed to add language to ensure minority participation.

Staffing, reporting and limits: Committee members asked where task force records and staffing would reside; staff said the Department of Administration would administer the task force and that the task force would report to the Economic Affairs Interim Committee. Members clarified that task-force findings can lead to recommended legislation but that the task force itself cannot pass laws.

Public participation and transparency: Members emphasized the task force would hold public meetings and accept public input; vice chair and other legislators said their experience with interim task forces shows public transparency and recorded proceedings are expected.

Closing and next steps: With the amendments adopted, the committee moved concurrence in the twice-amended bill and the bill will be carried to the House floor by a designated representative. Committee members and staff flagged the need for staff assistance and careful drafting to avoid premature regulatory directives in the bill text.

Ending: Executive action concluded with the committee forwarding the twice-amended measure; members and staff noted follow-up work to finalize appointments and clarify duty language.