All Roll Calls
Yes: 411 • No: 28
MontanaSB 23269th Legislature, Regular Session (2025)SenateWALLET
Revise state procurement laws related to entitles that are exempt from the RFP process.
Sponsored By: Matt Regier (Republican)
Became Law
Public ContractsGamblingState Government
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
6 provisions identified: 5 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Direct buying of Montana food
Government buyers can purchase Montana‑produced food directly when three things are true: quality matches similar outside products, a vendor can supply enough, and the price does not exceed the lowest outside bid. A higher Montana price is allowed only if it is reasonable and fits the buyer’s current budget without extra funds. The department must write rules to run this option. The law defines “food” and “produced” so buyers and sellers know what qualifies.
Construction and intergovernment deals skip bidding
Construction contracts are not covered by the state procurement chapter. Grants or contracts between the state and local governments or other governments also fall outside the chapter, except as provided in part 4 of the law.
Grants and gifts can set terms
Government bodies may follow the terms of any grant, gift, bequest, or cooperative agreement. They can use the grantor’s required steps even when those differ from state procurement rules.
More contracts skip state bidding
The law exempts many specific contracts from state procurement rules. Agencies can hire listed professionals—like engineers, architects, appraisers, doctors, expert witnesses, attorneys named by the governor, actuaries, licensed private investigators, claims adjusters, and court reporters—without using the chapter. The State Compensation Insurance Fund can buy insurance services outside the chapter. Lottery contracts under $250,000 and some lottery consultants are exempt. Student groups can buy or sell equipment bought with student fees without the chapter, and museums can buy or commission art the same way. Contracts under the Montana Public Defender Act and two Title 90 programs are also exempt.
Universities keep savings on electricity
The University of Montana and Montana State University can buy electricity without using the state procurement chapter. Any savings from energy purchases are kept by the Board of Regents for university use.
Investment board now follows procurement rules
The Montana Board of Investments must follow state procurement rules when it spends public funds under a contract. Buying securities is still exempt from those rules.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Matt Regier
Republican • Senate
Cosponsors
There are no cosponsors for this bill.
Roll Call Votes
Senate vote • 4/12/2025
Do Pass
Yes: 50 • No: 0
Senate vote • 4/11/2025
Do Pass
Yes: 47 • No: 0
Senate vote • 4/9/2025
Do Concur
Yes: 93 • No: 4
Senate vote • 4/8/2025
Do Concur
Yes: 93 • No: 4
Senate vote • 2/21/2025
Do Pass
Yes: 43 • No: 7
Senate vote • 2/19/2025
Do Pass As Amended
Yes: 45 • No: 4
Senate vote • 2/19/2025
AMD-SB0232.002.001 Harvey D/PASS
Yes: 40 • No: 9
Actions Timeline
Chapter Number Assigned
6/13/2025SenateSigned by Governor
6/9/2025SenateTransmitted to Governor
6/3/2025SenateSigned by Speaker
6/2/2025HouseSigned by President
4/21/2025SenateReturned from Enrolling
4/14/2025SenateSent to Enrolling
4/14/2025Senate3rd Reading Passed as Amended by House
4/12/2025Senate2nd Reading House Amendments Concurred
4/11/2025SenateReturned to Senate with Amendments
4/9/2025House3rd Reading Concurred
4/9/2025House2nd Reading Concurred
4/8/2025HouseCommittee Report--Bill Concurred as Amended
3/27/2025HouseCommittee Executive Action--Bill Concurred as Amended
3/27/2025HouseHearing
3/19/2025HouseFiscal Note Printed
2/28/2025SenateFiscal Note Unsigned
2/27/2025SenateFiscal Note Received
2/27/2025SenateFirst Reading
2/22/2025HouseReferred to Committee
2/22/2025HouseTransmitted to House
2/21/2025Senate3rd Reading Passed
2/21/2025SenateFiscal Note Requested
2/20/2025Senate2nd Reading Passed as Amended
2/19/2025Senate2nd Reading Motion to Amend Carried
2/19/2025Senate
Bill Text
Enrolled
4/15/2025
As Amended (Version 4)
4/9/2025
As Amended (Version 3)
2/20/2025
As Amended (Version 2)
2/13/2025
Introduced
1/29/2025