MontanaHB 26169th Legislature, Regular Session (2025)HouseWALLET

Providing for procedural rule making authority to the department of labor and industry

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

One-time charges and fixes for failing boards

If the department decides a board is not cost-effective, it must notify the board and the legislature’s interim committee. It suspends the board’s duties except license renewals. To recover costs, it can impose a one-time charge on every licensee of that board after public notice and rule steps. The department also reviews whether the board is still needed and sends fix ideas to lawmakers.

Faster licensing and exams for professionals

The department handles all board administration, including applications, renewals, meetings, and records. For routine licenses, it must issue a license within 45 days of a complete application. Within 10 calendar days, it tells you what is missing or explains urgent delays. For nonroutine licenses, it sets an expected timeline with the board and updates you if that changes. The department keeps official records in Helena, provides meeting and exam sites, and runs or contracts for exams.

New discipline, hearing, and privacy rules for licensees

After a screening panel finds reasonable cause, the department prosecutes the case before your board. The department sets the same contested-case hearing rules for all boards and programs. Before a final decision, public postings can list only your name and that a hearing is set. The department also investigates complaints about unlawful or unethical conduct, which can lead to discipline.

New licensing fee rules and cash controls

The department sets administrative fees and license expiration, renewal, and termination dates by rule. It charges boards for department costs and can change fees when a board’s cash is more than twice its yearly appropriation; this cap does not apply to the Board of Public Accountants. Service fees must match the cost of the service, but late penalties do not have to. Depending on your board’s finances, fees can go up or down.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Brian Close
Democrat • House

Cosponsors

Gregg Hunter
Republican • Senate
Josh Kassmier
Republican • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 283 • No: 13

House vote • 3/31/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 45 • No: 5

House vote • 3/28/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 46 • No: 2

House vote • 2/3/2025

Do Pass

Yes: 94 • No: 5

House vote • 1/31/2025