All Roll Calls
Yes: 418 • No: 62
MontanaHB 31869th Legislature, Regular Session (2025)HouseWALLET
Require appeal process for certain local government health requirements
Sponsored By: Larry Brewster (Republican)
Became Law
Local GovernmentHealth
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.
Appeal local septic and variance decisions
You can appeal local sewage permit rules that are stricter than state standards. Local rules must also use the same variance standards as the state Department of Environmental Quality. You can appeal a local variance denial or conditions to the state DEQ. Until a local appeal process exists in the rules, you may appeal to the local governing body.
Limits on local emergency health orders
Local emergency health orders last only during a declared emergency or until the governing body holds a public meeting and a majority votes to change them. These orders cannot limit in‑person attendance at, or the operation of, churches, synagogues, or other places of worship. This adds time limits and public oversight to emergency health rules.
Stronger local public health leadership
Local boards must meet at least every three months. They must name a public‑health liaison to the state, usually the full‑time local health officer or the top public‑health professional. Boards must also recommend a qualified local health officer, such as a physician or a person with a master’s in public health.
No well zones on neighbor's land
Local rules must block new wells if the required isolation zone would cross onto a neighbor’s property without that neighbor’s okay. Drilling can proceed only if the adjacent owner authorizes the encroachment. This protects neighboring property rights and may change well siting plans.
Fewer blanket rules on private businesses
Jurisdiction‑wide health rules cannot force private businesses to refuse customers or block access to goods and services. They also cannot use certain penalties like fines or license revocation for noncompliance in that blanket, jurisdiction‑wide context. People under a public isolation order can still be denied access. Local boards still enforce lawful health rules and orders.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Larry Brewster
Republican • House
Cosponsors
There are no cosponsors for this bill.
Roll Call Votes
House vote • 4/15/2025
Do Concur
Yes: 87 • No: 10
House vote • 4/14/2025
Do Concur
Yes: 48 • No: 48
House vote • 4/7/2025
Do Concur
Yes: 49 • No: 0
House vote • 4/5/2025
Do Concur
Yes: 45 • No: 0
House vote • 2/14/2025
Do Pass
Yes: 92 • No: 2
House vote • 2/13/2025
Do Pass
Yes: 97 • No: 2
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
4/15/2025HouseSent to Enrolling
4/15/2025House3rd Reading Passed as Amended by Senate
4/15/2025House2nd Reading Senate Amendments Concurred
4/14/2025HouseReturned to House with Amendments
4/7/2025Senate3rd Reading Concurred
4/7/2025Senate2nd Reading Concurred
4/5/2025SenateCommittee Report--Bill Concurred as Amended
4/3/2025SenateCommittee Executive Action--Bill Concurred as Amended
3/31/2025SenateHearing
3/5/2025SenateReferred to Committee
2/21/2025SenateFirst Reading
2/15/2025SenateTransmitted to Senate
2/14/2025House3rd Reading Passed
2/14/2025House2nd Reading Passed
2/13/2025HouseCommittee Report--Bill Passed
2/7/2025HouseCommittee Executive Action--Bill Passed
2/6/2025HouseCommittee Executive Action--Bill Passed
2/6/2025HouseHearing
1/27/2025HouseFirst Reading
1/27/2025House
Bill Text
Enrolled
4/15/2025
As Amended (Version 2)
4/3/2025
Introduced
1/27/2025