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MontanaHB 4569th Legislature, Regular Session (2025)HouseWALLET

Generally revising telecommunications regulation laws

Sponsored By: Katie Zolnikov (Republican)

Became Law

Utilities

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

7 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 2 costs, 2 mixed.

Short telecom promos and home energy help

Telecom providers can run short promotions without prior approval if they file a price list before the start. Utilities still must follow posted rates, and the commission can order refunds with interest for violations. Electric and gas utilities can offer grants or low‑cost loans to install conservation or non‑fossil systems in homes. The commission can stop unfair or not cost‑effective programs and charge costs to shareholders.

State universal service program ended

The state universal service fund and its rules are repealed. State discounts and support for high‑cost areas, schools, libraries, and health providers end. Households in rural or low‑income areas no longer get state help on phone or broadband bills. Related carrier and service definitions tied to that program are updated or removed.

Most internet and VoIP deregulated

The law says IP services like broadband and VoIP are not regulated by the state. State and local governments cannot set entry rules, rates, or terms for those services. Federal rules, general consumer‑protection laws, interconnection duties, public right‑of‑way rules, and nondiscriminatory 911/relay fees still apply. Providers must still register with the commission where required. These rules take effect immediately.

Tighter rules for automatic state spending

The law sets a single list of statutes that have automatic spending. A law counts only if it is on that list and says it makes a statutory appropriation. It confirms this authority pays bond principal, interest, premiums, and related costs.

Register before offering telecom service

Before selling telecom service in Montana, providers must file a notice with the Public Service Commission. The filing lists contacts, service areas, tariffs or price lists, facilities or resale plans, ownership, and any penalties in the past 5 years. The commission can waive parts of the filing. Providers must also report new sanctions from other states that could affect service here.

New rules on rates and refunds

Rates filed with the commission become lawful after 9 months unless waived or approved sooner. If the final decision allows less revenue, customers get rebates with interest. For investor‑owned utilities, interest may not be higher than the last commission cost of equity. You must file any claim for overbilling within 2 years or lose the refund.

How telecom charges are taxed

The law updates telecom tax terms like customer, mobile services, place of primary use, service address, and sales price. Some items are excluded from the sales price, such as certain state 911/relay fees, federal excise tax, bad debt, and installation or repair work at your home. These rules guide what parts of your phone or mobile bill are taxed in Montana.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Katie Zolnikov

    Republican • House

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 464 • No: 25

House vote • 4/16/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 97 • No: 1

House vote • 4/15/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 97 • No: 0

House vote • 4/10/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 48 • No: 0

House vote • 4/9/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 49 • No: 0

House vote • 1/21/2025

Do Pass

Yes: 85 • No: 14

House vote • 1/20/2025

Do Pass

Yes: 88 • 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 Passed as Amended by Senate

    4/16/2025House

  9. 2nd Reading Senate Amendments Concurred

    4/15/2025House

  10. Returned to House with Amendments

    4/10/2025Senate

  11. 3rd Reading Concurred

    4/10/2025Senate

  12. 2nd Reading Concurred

    4/9/2025Senate

  13. Committee Report--Bill Concurred as Amended

    4/7/2025Senate

  14. Committee Executive Action--Bill Concurred as Amended

    4/1/2025Senate

  15. Hearing

    2/13/2025Senate

  16. Referred to Committee

    2/11/2025Senate

  17. First Reading

    1/22/2025Senate

  18. Transmitted to Senate

    1/21/2025House

  19. 3rd Reading Passed

    1/21/2025House

  20. 2nd Reading Passed

    1/20/2025House

  21. Committee Report--Bill Passed

    1/16/2025House

  22. Committee Executive Action--Bill Passed

    1/16/2025House

  23. Committee Executive Action--Bill Passed

    1/15/2025House

  24. Hearing

    1/6/2025House

  25. First 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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