MontanaHB 68069th Legislature, Regular Session (2025)House

Generally revise trade and commerce laws

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

7 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 0 costs, 3 mixed.

Worker pay rules and volunteer coverage

Workers on commission contracts must be paid prevailing wages. If you volunteer for the commission, you get workers’ compensation coverage while helping. Volunteers are not salaried employees, but the commission may reimburse out-of-pocket costs.

Regular financial reports to state leaders

Before each regular legislative session, the commission reports its last two years of finances to the governor and legislature. The report includes any property acquisitions and sales. This improves oversight and transparency.

Public input on commission property deals

Before buying or selling property, the commission must give public notice and a chance for a local hearing. It must set rules for acquisitions and sales, weighing history, economic stability, preservation covenants, and local impacts. A joint subcommittee reviews sales of former Bovey personal property; only majority-supported recommendations move forward. The commission approves proposals and then recommends them to the board of land commissioners.

Longer business leases on historic sites

The commission can sign commercial leases for up to 99 years when a private group invests substantial capital in commission property. The prior 20-year limit does not apply in these cases. This helps investors and businesses plan for the long term.

Direct deals for commission contracts

The commission can hire vendors by direct negotiation. Contracts under this section do not follow state procurement laws. This can speed awards for some businesses but reduces standard competitive bidding protections.

Oversight and faster fixes over $300K

The commission must get legislative consent to build a new building costing more than $300,000. Projects must follow historic and state guidelines, and funding goes directly to the commission. In urgent cases, the commission can spend over $300,000 to preserve or maintain existing structures without consent if delay would cause damage or big future costs. Historic projects under the commission usually do not need architectural or engineering design review unless a specific appropriation requires it.

Where profits and sale money go

Contracts must direct part of any profit to restore the property and to pay administrative costs. Any remaining profit goes to the state general fund. The commission may seek funds from outside sources, including the federal government. It can also create trust funds with the board of investments; interest must be used to preserve and manage commission assets.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Ken Walsh
Republican • House

Cosponsors

Brad Barker
Republican • House
Tony Tezak
Republican • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 277 • No: 17

Senate vote • 4/28/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 45 • No: 4

Senate vote • 4/25/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 42 • No: 6

House vote • 3/7/2025

Do Pass

Yes: 96 • No: 3

House vote • 3/5/2025