MontanaHB 5369th Legislature, Regular Session (2025)HouseWALLET

Revise law allowing for troop labor to execute projects

Sponsored By: George Nikolakakos (Republican)

Became Law

Military Affairs

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

6 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.

Bidding limit rises with inflation

Starting July 1, 2028, and every 5 years, the state adjusts the $150,000 bidding threshold for inflation. It uses the June CPI for the prior tax year divided by June 2023 and rounds to the nearest $1,000. The new limit is set by rule. This changes which projects must be publicly bid.

Public bidding for state building work

The state must publicly advertise and call for sealed bids on state building and grounds projects that cost $150,000 or more. The notice runs for 3 straight weeks and states when and where bids are opened. Notices can be electronic, in newspapers, or other ways. All covered work goes out for competitive bids, unless another exception in this law applies.

Bannack historic work can skip bids

For historic preservation at Bannack, Fish, Wildlife, and Parks can skip advertising and sealed bids when its listed options are cheaper for the state and needed to save buildings from loss. The department may use agreements with qualified public or nonprofit partners, trained staff and volunteers, training programs, or a mix of these.

Military training projects can skip bids

When tied to military training, the Department of Military Affairs can upgrade, preserve, or restore its facilities without public bidding. It can also act to ensure the readiness of military personnel. This helps needed work happen quickly during training and readiness efforts.

Flexibility after two failed bid rounds

If the state gets no responsible bids after two tries, the agency can hire another way that is cost‑effective for the state. This lets projects move ahead without another sealed‑bid round. It can also mean fewer later chances for outside bidders.

Inmate labor exempt from bidding rules

Work done by inmates at Department of Corrections institutions does not need public notice or sealed bids. This can lower state labor costs and speed work inside prisons. It also reduces chances for outside contractors on those tasks.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

George Nikolakakos
Republican • House

Cosponsors

Wendy McKamey
Republican • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 390 • No: 6

House vote • 3/25/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 47 • No: 3

House vote • 3/24/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 50 • No: 0

House vote • 1/22/2025

Do Pass

Yes: 99 • No: 1

House vote • 1/20/2025

AMD-HB0053.001.002 Nikolakakos G DO PASS

Yes: 98 • No: 0