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MontanaHB 10069th Legislature, Regular Session (2025)House

Generally revise public record laws

Sponsored By: Stacy Zinn (Republican)

Became Law

State GovernmentCities and TownsCountiesRevenue, State

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

4 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 3 mixed.

More transparency and stronger appeal rights

From October 1, 2025 to June 30, 2026, executive branch agencies must post a records‑request contact on their websites. By November 1, 2025 (or one month after the rule applies), they must publish a request process on the state site, share request stats, and keep requests and responses online for two years, with listed exclusions. Starting July 1, 2026, if a non‑local agency does not respond as required, you can file in district court. If your request is denied, the agency must give written reasons. If you sue and win, the court may award your costs and reasonable attorney fees.

Faster responses and clearer request deadlines

Starting July 1, 2026, public agencies must give anyone an accessible way to request records. Non‑local public agencies must acknowledge your request within 5 business days. If you asked for one specific, readily available record, they must provide it within 5 working days after the acknowledgment. For complex requests, the agency must give a time and fee estimate and deliver records within 90 days, or within 6 months with written reasons. If the agency asks you to clarify and you do not reply in 30 days, it can close the request after notice. Local governments are not covered by these specific response rules.

Key start dates and sunset

The law mostly takes effect October 1, 2025. Sections 2 and 3 start July 1, 2026. Section 1 ends June 30, 2026.

New fees and prepayment for records

From October 1, 2025 to June 30, 2026, agencies can charge up to $25 per hour to search, review, and provide records. For requests that are not one clear record, they can charge up to a $5 filing fee; after that, the first hour is free. You may also pay copying, postage, media, and other actual costs. Agencies can ask for an estimated fee up front and, starting July 1, 2026, can pause deadlines until you pay. The Secretary of State collects fees in advance; legislators and public officers do not pay for official-duty searches or certified copies.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Stacy Zinn

    Republican • House

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 493 • No: 1

House vote • 4/18/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 98 • No: 0

House vote • 4/17/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 99 • No: 0

House vote • 4/14/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 47 • No: 1

House vote • 4/12/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 49 • No: 0

House vote • 1/30/2025

Do Pass

Yes: 100 • No: 0

House vote • 1/29/2025

Do Pass

Yes: 100 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Chapter Number Assigned

    5/13/2025House

  2. Signed by Governor

    5/8/2025House

  3. Transmitted to Governor

    5/2/2025House

  4. Signed by President

    5/2/2025Senate

  5. Signed by Speaker

    4/29/2025House

  6. Returned from Enrolling

    4/20/2025House

  7. Sent to Enrolling

    4/18/2025House

  8. 3rd Reading Passed as Amended by Senate

    4/18/2025House

  9. 2nd Reading Senate Amendments Concurred

    4/17/2025House

  10. Returned to House with Amendments

    4/14/2025Senate

  11. 3rd Reading Concurred

    4/14/2025Senate

  12. 2nd Reading Concurred

    4/12/2025Senate

  13. Revised Fiscal Note Printed

    3/26/2025House

  14. Revised Fiscal Note Signed

    3/26/2025House

  15. Revised Fiscal Note Received

    3/26/2025House

  16. Committee Report--Bill Concurred as Amended

    3/20/2025Senate

  17. Revised Fiscal Note Requested

    3/20/2025House

  18. Committee Executive Action--Bill Concurred as Amended

    3/19/2025Senate

  19. Hearing

    2/17/2025Senate

  20. Referred to Committee

    2/13/2025Senate

  21. Revised Fiscal Note Printed

    2/5/2025House

  22. Fiscal Note Unsigned

    2/4/2025House

  23. Revised Fiscal Note Received

    2/4/2025House

  24. First Reading

    1/31/2025Senate

  25. Transmitted to Senate

    1/30/2025House

Bill Text

  • Enrolled

    4/18/2025

    PDF

  • As Amended (Version 3)

    3/20/2025

    PDF

  • As Amended (Version 2)

    1/24/2025

    PDF

  • Introduced

    12/16/2024

    PDF

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