Representative Sherry Essman opened the hearing on House Bill 308 and described the bill as an extension of an existing distribution that sends 35 percent of the metal mines license tax to affected counties. "The bill moves the sunset on an existing distribution of funds from '27 to 02/1935 an 8 year expansion," Essman said.

Proponents included mining industry representatives and multiple county commissioners. Kory Kirsch, a Jefferson County commissioner, said the distribution funds planning, economic development and event support that help counties respond to mine slowdowns and closures. Jason Gallagher (Butte‑Silver Bow) and Andy Hunthausen (Lewis and Clark County) gave similar testimony that the trust reserve supported schools, local government and economic development during previous downturns.

Stillwater County commissioners described recent workforce reductions at Sibanye Stillwater and urged the extension to preserve budget stability. Commissioner Roger Webb said: "Reducing revenue from the metal mines and restructuring the workforce leaves a significant gap in county budgets. House Bill 308 seeks to preserve the current distribution of 35% of the metal mines revenue to affected counties."

Department of Revenue staff appeared as informational witnesses for the fiscal note. Committee members asked about the sunset date and why the House set a different expiration; sponsor staff said the eight‑year extension was chosen as a practical standard and that eliminating the sunset entirely had been considered but not pursued.

Action: The committee moved to concur with House Bill 308 in executive action and the motion carried; a senator agreed to carry the bill to the floor.

Ending: The hearing record included multiple county officials and industry proponents explaining the local uses of the funds for planning, schools and economic development.