MontanaHB 44769th Legislature, Regular Session (2025)HouseWALLET

Enact the Respiratory Care Interstate Compact

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

Therapists can work across member states

The law lets licensed respiratory therapists practice in other member states with a compact privilege. To qualify, you must keep an active, unencumbered home-state license and an active NBRC credential. You must have no license adverse action in the last 2 years, pay fees, and meet any remote-state law test. You must list a domicile address, update it within 30 days of changes, and accept service by mail. The privilege ends if your home-state license expires, is encumbered, or is terminated.

How the compact runs in states

The law creates a multistate commission with one commissioner per member state to run the compact and its budget. The compact takes effect when the seventh state enacts it; Montana’s labor department must notify the code commissioner within 15 days. Member states must join the compact’s data system, investigate complaints, report discipline, and run criminal background checks for new licenses. The commission’s rules have the force of law in member states; a legislature can reject a rule by majority vote within 4 years. A state can withdraw with 180 days’ notice, must keep recognizing compact privileges for at least 180 days after notice, and remains liable for prior obligations.

Shared data and cross-state discipline

The commission runs a shared database with license status, discipline, and investigations; it does not store criminal history records. States can share confidential information and must remove records that are legally expunged. Licensing authorities can issue subpoenas that courts in other member states can enforce; the issuer pays required witness and travel costs. States can act against a compact privilege for local conduct, but they cannot punish conduct that was legal where it happened.

Fees and background checks for therapists

If you apply for a Montana respiratory care license, you must submit fingerprints for state and federal checks and pay the fees. The board may also require fingerprinting at renewal. States and the compact commission may charge fees to grant or renew compact privileges. Active duty service members and spouses do not pay commission fees, and a remote state may reduce or waive its fee.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Ed Buttrey
Republican • House

Cosponsors

Bob Phalen
Republican • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 284 • No: 12

House vote • 4/11/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 40 • No: 8

House vote • 4/10/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 46 • No: 3

House vote • 2/25/2025

Do Pass

Yes: 99 • No: 1

House vote • 2/24/2025