All Roll Calls
Yes: 279 • No: 15
MontanaHB 29669th Legislature, Regular Session (2025)HouseWALLET
Revising laws related to professional licensing injunctions and penalties
Sponsored By: Terry Nelson (Republican)
Became Law
Professions and Occupations GenerallyCourtsRemedies
Your PRIA Score
Score Hidden
Personalized for You
How does this bill affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this bill and every other piece of legislation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 3 costs, 2 mixed.
Naturopaths must be licensed; titles limited
You must have a current Montana license to practice naturopathy. Only licensed naturopathic physicians may use titles like “naturopath,” “N.D.,” or “doctor of naturopathic medicine.” The board can ask a district court to stop unlawful practice.
New rules for real estate appraisals
The board issues an appraiser license when you meet the listed qualifications. Only individuals may call themselves “licensed real estate appraiser,” and licensees must display the license at their main office. Unlicensed people may do paid appraisals for non‑federal deals, but they cannot claim to be licensed; doing so is a misdemeanor. Licensed and certified appraisers must follow federal limits on which federally related jobs they can take.
Physical therapy title and assistant rules
You must be licensed to practice physical therapy. It is a misdemeanor to use PT or PTA titles if you are not licensed or your license is suspended, revoked, or lapsed. Only licensed physical therapist assistants may help deliver treatment.
Stricter optometry licensing and enforcement
You must have an optometry license to test eyes, fit, or measure lenses. The law bans fake or bought licenses, false names, and advertising as an optometrist without a valid license. It keeps narrow exceptions for supervised mechanical shop work and recognized optical labs. The board can ask a court for orders to stop violations.
New board discipline and injunction powers
Licensing boards can set discipline rules and suspend or revoke licenses. They may put a licensee on probation, censure them, or suspend the right to practice for up to 1 year. All discipline uses a contested-case hearing. Boards can ask a court to stop unlicensed practice, and courts can hold violators in contempt. Boards must give public notice when changing their rules. Boards cannot act against people who comply with Title 16, chapter 12, part 5. The law also repeals older, overlapping injunction statutes.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Terry Nelson
Republican • House
Cosponsors
Josh Kassmier
Republican • Senate
Mark Noland
Republican • Senate
Roll Call Votes
House vote • 4/10/2025
Do Concur
Yes: 45 • No: 3
House vote • 4/8/2025
Do Concur
Yes: 41 • No: 6
House vote • 2/6/2025
Do Pass
Yes: 97 • No: 2
House vote • 2/5/2025
Do Pass
Yes: 96 • No: 4
Actions Timeline
Chapter Number Assigned
5/5/2025HouseSigned by Governor
5/1/2025HouseTransmitted to Governor
4/22/2025HouseSigned by President
4/22/2025SenateSigned by Speaker
4/18/2025HouseReturned from Enrolling
4/11/2025HouseSent to Enrolling
4/10/2025House3rd Reading Concurred
4/10/2025Senate2nd Reading Concurred
4/8/2025SenateCommittee Report--Bill Concurred
3/20/2025SenateCommittee Executive Action--Bill Concurred
3/19/2025SenateHearing
3/15/2025SenateHearing
3/7/2025SenateHearing Canceled
3/2/2025SenateHearing
2/27/2025SenateReferred to Committee
2/14/2025SenateFirst Reading
2/7/2025SenateTransmitted to Senate
2/6/2025House3rd Reading Passed
2/6/2025House2nd Reading Passed
2/5/2025House2nd Reading Pass Consideration
2/4/2025HouseCommittee Report--Bill Passed
1/31/2025HouseCommittee Executive Action--Bill Passed
1/30/2025HouseCommittee Executive Action--Bill Passed
1/30/2025HouseHearing
1/28/2025House
Bill Text
Enrolled
4/15/2025
Introduced
1/23/2025