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MontanaSB 20069th Legislature, Regular Session (2025)Senate

Generally revise cooperative laws

Sponsored By: Bruce "Butch" Gillespie (Republican)

Signed by Governor

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

Farmers can form for-profit cooperatives

The law lets five or more people who grow farm products form a cooperative. Associations under this chapter can be for-profit or not-for-profit. They may form with or without capital stock. This gives farm groups and small businesses more ways to organize their work.

Fines for misusing cooperative name

The Secretary of State does not accept filings that use the word “cooperative” unless the filer is an eligible cooperative. If you misuse the term in a filing, you face a civil fine of $50 to $1,000 per filing. This does not apply to true cooperatives under Montana cooperative laws, to entities formed before October 1, 2023, to certain out-of-state cooperatives that must register in Montana, or to filings made under state securities law.

Out-of-state co-ops get Montana rights

Qualified out-of-state cooperatives are treated like Montana cooperatives. They must be authorized to do business in Montana and follow chapter 17 rules. They must distribute proceeds and savings under this law or under their home state’s law. They receive the same rights, exemptions, and privileges. “Out-of-state” includes entities under other jurisdictions, including federally recognized tribal governments.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Bruce "Butch" Gillespie

    Republican • Senate

Cosponsors

  • Eric Tilleman

    Republican • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 339 • No: 5

House vote • 4/2/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 95 • No: 0

House vote • 4/1/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 99 • No: 1

Senate vote • 3/4/2025

Do Pass

Yes: 50 • No: 0

Senate vote • 3/1/2025

Do Pass As Amended

Yes: 50 • No: 0

Senate vote • 3/1/2025

AMD-SB0200.001.001 Ellis D/PASS

Yes: 45 • No: 4

Actions Timeline

  1. Chapter Number Assigned

    4/18/2025Senate

  2. Signed by Governor

    4/17/2025Senate

  3. Transmitted to Governor

    4/8/2025Senate

  4. Signed by Speaker

    4/8/2025House

  5. Signed by President

    4/7/2025Senate

  6. Returned from Enrolling

    4/3/2025Senate

  7. Sent to Enrolling

    4/2/2025Senate

  8. 3rd Reading

    4/2/2025House

  9. 2nd Reading

    4/1/2025House

  10. Committee Report

    3/28/2025House

  11. Committee Executive Action

    3/28/2025House

  12. Hearing

    3/18/2025House

  13. 1st Reading

    3/6/2025House

  14. Referred to Committee

    3/5/2025House

  15. Transmitted to House

    3/4/2025Senate

  16. 3rd Reading

    3/4/2025Senate

  17. 2nd Reading

    3/1/2025Senate

  18. 2nd Reading Motion to Amend

    3/1/2025Senate

  19. Committee Report

    2/27/2025Senate

  20. Committee Executive Action

    2/26/2025Senate

  21. Hearing

    2/17/2025Senate

  22. Hearing Canceled

    2/4/2025Senate

  23. Referred to Committee

    1/23/2025Senate

  24. 1st Reading

    1/23/2025Senate

  25. Introduced

    1/22/2025Senate

Bill Text

  • Enrolled

    4/15/2025

    PDF

  • As Amended (Version 2)

    3/1/2025

    PDF

  • Introduced

    1/22/2025

    PDF

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