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MontanaHB 4569th Legislature, Regular Session (2025)HouseWALLET

Generally revising telecommunications regulation laws

Sponsored By: Katie Zolnikov (Republican)

Signed by Governor

Utilities

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

Changes to telecom taxes on bills

The law updates what counts in the taxable “sales price” on telecom bills. Charges under 53‑19‑311 are now excluded from tax. Charges that were excluded under 69‑3‑844 are now included. Your bill’s telecom taxes can go up or down based on which charges appear on your bill.

Less state control of internet and phone

State and local agencies cannot regulate internet‑based services like broadband and internet calling under telecom rules. The law repeals many commission tools for setting telecom rates. It also narrows what counts as a regulated telecom service, focusing on two‑way voice and related access. Federal rules and limited commission powers over wholesale service, interconnection, tariffs, and E911/universal/relay fees still apply.

Telecom providers must register before serving

Before offering telecom service in Montana, a company must file a notice with the Public Service Commission. The filing lists contacts, ownership, affiliates, services and areas to be served, and whether service is facilities‑based or resale. It must describe facilities, any plan to seek universal service support or ETC status, and penalties or judgments in the past five years. The commission can waive items, and companies must report new sanctions that affect their ability to serve.

State universal service fund repealed

The law ends Montana’s universal service fund and the related state rules. State‑backed discounts and payments for schools, libraries, health care providers, and high‑cost voice service no longer apply under state law. Providers and customers no longer pay into or receive from a state universal service fund.

Utilities' rate changes after nine months

A utility’s filed schedule becomes lawful when the commission approves it or after nine months, whichever comes first. The law removes a prior automatic route for schedules to take effect. This changes when utilities can start charging new rates.

Telecom promos can start without approval

Providers can offer short‑term rebates or price cuts without getting approval first. They must file an informational price list on or before the day the promotion begins. The commission can later find a promotion unfairly discriminatory and make the provider’s shareholders cover the costs.

Telecom performance account and funding ended

The law repeals the performance assurance state special revenue account and its automatic appropriation. It also removes that account from the list of statutory appropriations. Related spending no longer has automatic, ongoing funding under that section.

Utility grants and loans for home energy

Electric and natural gas utilities can offer grants and subsidized loans for energy‑saving upgrades or nonfossil power systems in homes. These programs are optional for the utility. The law sets no dollar limits, interest rates, or income rules.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Katie Zolnikov

    Republican • House

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 469 • No: 25

House vote • 4/16/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 97 • No: 1

House vote • 4/15/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 100 • No: 0

Senate vote • 4/10/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 48 • No: 0

Senate vote • 4/9/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 50 • No: 0

House vote • 1/21/2025

Do Pass

Yes: 85 • No: 14

House vote • 1/20/2025

Do Pass

Yes: 89 • No: 10

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

    4/18/2025House

  7. Sent to Enrolling

    4/16/2025House

  8. 3rd Reading Senate Amendments

    4/16/2025House

  9. 2nd Reading Senate Amendments

    4/15/2025House

  10. Returned to House with Amendments

    4/10/2025Senate

  11. 3rd Reading

    4/10/2025Senate

  12. 2nd Reading

    4/9/2025Senate

  13. Committee Report

    4/7/2025Senate

  14. Committee Executive Action

    4/1/2025Senate

  15. Hearing

    2/13/2025Senate

  16. Referred to Committee

    2/11/2025Senate

  17. 1st Reading

    1/22/2025Senate

  18. Transmitted to Senate

    1/21/2025House

  19. 3rd Reading

    1/21/2025House

  20. 2nd Reading

    1/20/2025House

  21. Committee Report

    1/16/2025House

  22. Committee Executive Action

    1/16/2025House

  23. Committee Executive Action

    1/15/2025House

  24. Hearing

    1/6/2025House

  25. 1st Reading

    1/6/2025House

Bill Text

  • Enrolled

    4/17/2025

    PDF

  • As Amended (Version 2)

    4/7/2025

    PDF

  • Introduced

    12/9/2024

    PDF

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