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MontanaHB 94069th Legislature, Regular Session (2025)HouseWALLET

Prohibit overnight camping on state highway right-of-way

Sponsored By: Anthony Nicastro (Republican)

Signed by Governor

Motor VehiclesTransportationRule MakingAppropriationsCivil Procedure

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.

No overnight camping on state highways

The law bans overnight camping and storing personal property on a state highway right-of-way. Exceptions apply for emergencies set by law enforcement or the department, work crews on duty, and posted rest areas or pullouts for up to 24 hours. If you violate the ban, officers can give you a written notice to leave and remove all items within 72 hours. If you do not comply, you can be fined up to $50, and remaining property may be disposed of. Unattended property not under a 72-hour notice can be posted for removal; after at least 120 hours, it may be disposed of. The Department of Transportation and law enforcement enforce these rules, and the department may adopt rules to recover fines, cleanup costs, and legal costs from violators.

Small funds for highway camping enforcement

The law gives $15,000 from the highway restricted account to the Montana Department of Transportation. The money is for the biennium starting July 1, 2025. It pays to carry out sections 1 through 4 of this law. The funds come from the highway restricted account.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Anthony Nicastro

    Republican • House

Cosponsors

  • Russ Tempel

    Republican • Senate

  • Steve Fitzpatrick

    Republican • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 253 • No: 43

Senate vote • 4/23/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 37 • No: 13

Senate vote • 4/22/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 38 • No: 12

House vote • 4/8/2025

Do Pass

Yes: 88 • No: 9

House vote • 4/7/2025

Do Pass

Yes: 90 • No: 9

Actions Timeline

  1. Chapter Number Assigned

    5/16/2025House

  2. Signed by Governor

    5/13/2025House

  3. Transmitted to Governor

    5/5/2025House

  4. Signed by President

    5/2/2025Senate

  5. Signed by Speaker

    5/1/2025House

  6. Returned from Enrolling

    4/28/2025House

  7. Sent to Enrolling

    4/23/2025House

  8. 3rd Reading

    4/23/2025Senate

  9. 2nd Reading

    4/22/2025Senate

  10. Committee Report

    4/17/2025Senate

  11. Committee Executive Action

    4/16/2025Senate

  12. Hearing

    4/11/2025Senate

  13. Hearing Canceled

    4/11/2025Senate

  14. Hearing

    4/10/2025Senate

  15. Referred to Committee

    4/10/2025Senate

  16. 1st Reading

    4/9/2025Senate

  17. Transmitted to Senate

    4/8/2025House

  18. 3rd Reading

    4/8/2025House

  19. 2nd Reading

    4/7/2025House

  20. Fiscal Note Printed

    4/6/2025House

  21. Fiscal Note Unsigned

    4/5/2025House

  22. Fiscal Note Received

    4/5/2025House

  23. Committee Report

    4/2/2025House

  24. Committee Executive Action

    3/31/2025House

  25. 1st Reading

    3/31/2025House

Bill Text

  • Enrolled

    4/24/2025

    PDF

  • Introduced

    3/31/2025

    PDF

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