MontanaHB 46669th Legislature, Regular Session (2025)House

Provide categorical exclusions from MEPA

Sponsored By: John Fitzpatrick (Republican)

Signed by Governor

Environmental ProtectionRecreationState Government

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

Clearer rules for state-sponsored projects

The law explains what counts as a state-sponsored project under Montana environmental law. It includes projects done by a state agency. It also includes work backed by state contracts, grants, subsidies, or loans. It includes projects a state agency authorizes on land it manages. It does not include private projects that only need permits or licenses from the listed agencies. This sets clearer lines for when state environmental duties apply.

Faster approvals for some state projects

State agencies can label some actions as categorical exclusions. These actions are exempt from Montana environmental assessments and impact statements. Actions that meet federal categorical exclusion rules also qualify. Agencies decide by rule or program review which actions qualify. The law presumes no special problems exist, but review happens if agency rules define extraordinary circumstances.

State building and historic grants skip review

The Department of Administration does not do Montana environmental reviews for routine work on state-owned buildings and utilities. This also covers projects in the long range building program. The Department of Commerce skips those reviews when it runs historic-preservation grant programs. These changes can speed projects but reduce public environmental review and input.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

John Fitzpatrick
Republican • House

Cosponsors

Wylie Galt
Republican • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 269 • No: 23

Senate vote • 4/14/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 38 • No: 10

Senate vote • 4/12/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 38 • No: 8

House vote • 3/4/2025

Do Pass

Yes: 94 • No: 5

House vote • 3/3/2025