MontanaHB 68069th Legislature, Regular Session (2025)HouseWALLET

Generally revise trade and commerce laws

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

Volunteer injury coverage, no wages owed

If you volunteer for the commission, you get workers’ compensation coverage while helping. You are not a salaried employee and do not get wages or employee benefits. The commission may repay your travel, food, or lodging costs.

Prevailing wages and simpler project reviews

Contracts under the commission must pay prevailing wages. Many historic renovation projects on commission sites do not need architectural and engineering approval unless a specific state appropriation requires it. All construction must follow guidelines from the National Park Service, the Montana Historical Society, and Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks.

Faster deals and longer leases for businesses

The commission can directly negotiate and award contracts without state procurement steps. Contracts may include leases of commission property and must include renewal terms. Most contracts are capped at 20 years. Commercial leases can run up to 99 years when a private organization makes a substantial capital investment.

More funding tools for heritage sites

The commission manages properties to encourage economic stability. It can seek money from outside sources, including the federal government. Working with the Board of Investments, it can create trust funds, and the interest must support preserving and managing assets. Contracts must reinvest some profit in the property and pay administrative costs; any remaining profits go to the state general fund.

Stronger public steps for property deals

The commission must set clear rules for buying and selling property, including cultural value, economic stability, community impact, and preservation protections. Before a final decision to buy or sell real property, it gives public notice and a local hearing. The commission approves and then recommends deals to the Board of Land Commissioners. Sale proceeds go to the state account set in law. A joint subcommittee must back any sale of Bovey personal property before it goes to the commission.

Large builds need approval, urgent repairs proceed

The commission needs legislative consent to contract for building construction over $300,000. It can contract over $300,000 for preservation, stabilization, or maintenance without consent when waiting would cause damage or much higher future costs.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Ken Walsh
Republican • House

Cosponsors

Brad Barker
Republican • House
Tony Tezak
Republican • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 275 • No: 17

House vote • 4/28/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 45 • No: 4

House vote • 4/25/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 41 • No: 6

House vote • 3/7/2025

Do Pass

Yes: 96 • No: 3

House vote • 3/5/2025