All Roll Calls
Yes: 471 • No: 23
MontanaSB 44769th Legislature, Regular Session (2025)SenateWALLET
Revise laws related to prior authorization
Sponsored By: Vince Ricci (Republican)
Became Law
Health Care ServicesHealthInsurance
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Fewer prior authorizations for common drugs
The law removes prior authorization for many common prescriptions. Drugs for substance use disorder do not need prior authorization when prescribed within FDA‑labeled dosages. After you take the same generic at the same quantity for 6 months with no gap, no prior authorization is allowed. Your plan cannot require prior authorization just for a dose change within FDA or clinical dosing. Long‑acting injectable antipsychotics do not need prior authorization. Formulary oral or inhaled nonbiologic generics that are not on Medicare Part D’s specialty tier and are not controlled substances also skip prior authorization. In each class— inhaled corticosteroid, inhaled short‑acting beta‑agonist, inhaled combination steroid and beta‑agonist, short‑acting insulin, and long‑acting insulin—at least one child option and one adult option are available without prior authorization. If you already had approval for the same drug and dose for therapeutic duplication, the plan cannot ask again.
Prior authorization approvals last longer
Prior authorization approvals must last at least 12 months from when your provider gets the OK. The approval ends if you lose your health plan coverage. For a chronic condition, the approval lasts for the condition’s duration. Plans and reviewers cannot require you to reauthorize more than once every 12 months, and they may ask for proof no more than once a year.
Stronger rules for drug denials
When a prescription is denied during prior authorization, a doctor in the right specialty must make the denial. The written denial must list reasonable covered drug alternatives on the plan’s formulary. This helps you and your doctor choose a covered option faster.
Standard terms for prior authorization
The law updates and standardizes key terms used in prior authorization and utilization review, such as “adverse determination,” “chronic condition,” and “urgent care request.” These shared definitions guide how insurers, reviewers, and providers handle approvals, denials, and appeals across plans.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Vince Ricci
Republican • Senate
Cosponsors
There are no cosponsors for this bill.
Roll Call Votes
Senate vote • 4/18/2025
Do Pass
Yes: 50 • No: 0
Senate vote • 4/17/2025
Do Pass
Yes: 47 • No: 0
Senate vote • 4/11/2025
Do Concur
Yes: 99 • No: 0
Senate vote • 4/11/2025
Do Concur
Yes: 99 • No: 0
Senate vote • 3/6/2025
Do Pass
Yes: 41 • No: 8
Senate vote • 3/5/2025
AMD-SB0447.001.002 Ricci D/PASS
Yes: 50 • No: 0
Senate vote • 3/5/2025
Do Pass As Amended
Yes: 41 • No: 9
Senate vote • 3/4/2025
Take SB 447 from Comm-Ricci
Yes: 44 • No: 6
Actions Timeline
Chapter Number Assigned
5/16/2025SenateSigned by Governor
5/13/2025SenateTransmitted to Governor
5/5/2025SenateSigned by Speaker
5/5/2025HouseSigned by President
4/29/2025SenateReturned from Enrolling
4/24/2025SenateSent to Enrolling
4/22/2025Senate3rd Reading Passed as Amended by House
4/18/2025Senate2nd Reading House Amendments Concurred
4/17/2025SenateReturned to Senate with Amendments
4/11/2025House3rd Reading Concurred
4/11/2025House2nd Reading Concurred
4/11/2025HouseCommittee Report--Bill Concurred as Amended
4/9/2025HouseCommittee Executive Action--Bill Concurred as Amended
4/9/2025HouseHearing
4/8/2025HouseFiscal Note Printed
3/28/2025SenateFiscal Note Unsigned
3/27/2025SenateFiscal Note Received
3/26/2025SenateFirst Reading
3/17/2025HouseReferred to Committee
3/17/2025HouseTransmitted to House
3/7/2025Senate3rd Reading Passed
3/6/2025Senate2nd Reading Passed as Amended
3/5/2025Senate2nd Reading Motion to Amend Carried
3/5/2025SenateTaken from Committee; Placed on 2nd Reading
3/4/2025Senate
Bill Text
Enrolled
4/22/2025
As Amended (Version 3)
4/9/2025
As Amended (Version 2)
3/5/2025
Introduced
2/24/2025