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MontanaHB 49069th Legislature, Regular Session (2025)HouseWALLET

Revise civil liability laws

Sponsored By: Amy Regier (Republican)

Became Law

LiabilityRule Making

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

Harder to sue utilities for wildfires

You must prove a utility was negligent to collect for wildfire harm linked to its equipment. If the utility started and largely followed an approved wildfire plan at the ignition spot, the law presumes it acted reasonably. You can recover for property damage; money for lost income or pain and suffering is allowed only when injury or death occurred. Punitive damages require clear and convincing proof of gross negligence or intentional acts. Utilities are not liable when a tree or limb from outside areas they legally control caused the ignition. You must file suit within 3 years and serve the utility within 6 months after filing, or the case is dismissed without prejudice.

Required wildfire safety plans for utilities

Electric utilities and other power owners must file a wildfire mitigation plan and start work by December 31, 2025. Plans map high‑risk areas and set inspections, vegetation work, upgrades, shutoff and restoration steps, costs, outreach, and coordination. The approval body takes public comments for up to 45 days, holds a meeting, and decides within 60 days after comments. State natural resources and emergency agencies give input. Approval requires all key parts, serving the public interest, and a reasonable balance of added costs and wildfire risk. Co‑ops show extra costs to their boards outside the plan, joint facility operators handle plans for joint assets, providers file a biennial report by June 1 each year, and the commission can set review rules and name a technical expert.

Immediate effect and tribal notice

This law takes effect upon passage and approval. The Secretary of State sends a copy to every federally recognized tribal government in Montana.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Amy Regier

    Republican • House

Cosponsors

  • Steve Fitzpatrick

    Republican • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 550 • No: 89

House vote • 4/17/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 99 • No: 0

House vote • 4/16/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 98 • No: 0

House vote • 4/11/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 40 • No: 8

House vote • 4/10/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 43 • No: 6

House vote • 4/10/2025

AMD-HB0490.004.001 Olsen D/PASS

Yes: 17 • No: 32

House vote • 3/5/2025

Do Pass

Yes: 97 • No: 1

House vote • 3/4/2025

HB0490.002.003 - Mercer

Yes: 58 • No: 41

House vote • 3/4/2025

Do Pass As Amended

Yes: 98 • No: 1

Actions Timeline

  1. Chapter Number Assigned

    5/19/2025House

  2. Signed by Governor

    5/13/2025House

  3. Transmitted to Governor

    5/7/2025House

  4. Signed by President

    5/7/2025Senate

  5. Signed by Speaker

    5/6/2025House

  6. Returned from Enrolling

    4/23/2025House

  7. Sent to Enrolling

    4/18/2025House

  8. 3rd Reading Passed as Amended by Senate

    4/17/2025House

  9. 2nd Reading Senate Amendments Concurred

    4/16/2025House

  10. Returned to House with Amendments

    4/11/2025Senate

  11. 3rd Reading Concurred

    4/11/2025Senate

  12. 2nd Reading Concurred

    4/10/2025Senate

  13. 2nd Reading Motion to Amend Failed

    4/10/2025Senate

  14. Committee Report--Bill Concurred as Amended

    4/8/2025Senate

  15. Committee Executive Action--Bill Concurred as Amended

    4/7/2025Senate

  16. Hearing

    3/18/2025Senate

  17. Revised Fiscal Note Printed

    3/18/2025House

  18. Revised Fiscal Note Signed

    3/17/2025House

  19. Revised Fiscal Note Received

    3/17/2025House

  20. Referred to Committee

    3/6/2025Senate

  21. Transmitted to Senate

    3/5/2025House

  22. 3rd Reading Passed

    3/5/2025House

  23. 2nd Reading Passed as Amended

    3/4/2025House

  24. 2nd Reading Motion to Amend Carried

    3/4/2025House

  25. 2nd Reading Pass Consideration

    3/3/2025House

Bill Text

  • Enrolled

    4/22/2025

    PDF

  • As Amended (Version 4)

    4/8/2025

    PDF

  • As Amended (Version 3)

    3/4/2025

    PDF

  • As Amended (Version 2)

    3/3/2025

    PDF

  • Introduced

    2/13/2025

    PDF

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