All Roll Calls
Yes: 489 • No: 201
MontanaSB 55369th Legislature, Regular Session (2025)SenateWALLET
Generally revise state policy laws
Sponsored By: Daniel Zolnikov (Republican)
Became Law
TransportationRevenue, State
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
8 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 1 costs, 3 mixed.
New utility charge funds energy help
The law creates a universal system benefits program for conservation, renewables, and low‑income energy help. Funding is 2.4% of each utility’s annual retail sales revenue and is recovered by a meter charge. At least 50% of low‑income funds go to public utilities and 17% to cooperatives. Utilities can get credit for qualifying in‑state programs; public utilities with fewer than 50 customers are exempt; and utilities and large customers must file reports.
Shared costs and park land for subdivisions
Local governments can split the cost of roads and other capital work so later projects pay their share. The transportation department can let platted developments pay a future share of today’s intersection fixes. If you subdivide, you must give park land or cash: 11% (≤0.5 acre), 7.5% (>0.5–1), 5% (>1–3), or 2.5% (>3–5). Local boards can choose land or cash and set alternates up to 0.03 acres per home. Waivers may apply for planned unit developments or protected resources, and only up to 50% of money can fund maintenance.
Stronger protections for airline travel credits
The law defines airline “travel credits” and protects their value. Credits do not expire, and if the airline goes bankrupt, the credit belongs to the holder. No fees, including dormancy fees, may cut a credit’s value. If the original value was over $5 and less than $5 remains, you can ask for cash. Airlines may accept a credit even if the user’s name does not match. These rules apply to credits issued on or after January 1, 2025.
New oversight and reporting to lawmakers
Lawmakers strengthen interim oversight and reporting. Most agency reports now follow the biennial deadline in 5‑11‑210, often by September 1, unless another schedule applies. The energy and telecommunications interim committee can review rules, draft bills, and monitor the Public Service Commission and its department. The Consumer Counsel must send its annual report to that committee, and committees get clear rules to refer issues and settle jurisdiction disputes.
New fund to improve 9-1-1 maps
The state creates a 9‑1‑1 GIS mapping fund. Money comes from legislative allocations, a specified transfer, and gifts or grants. The state library uses it only to collect, keep, and share land data for emergency call centers. The library reports GIS readiness before September 1 of each even‑numbered year. Any unspent balance at the end of fiscal year 2031 moves to the account under 10‑4‑304(1).
State building efficiency savings program
The state starts a voluntary program to run existing buildings more efficiently. Agencies join only when it is cost‑effective and report savings to the energy and telecommunications committee. The program ends June 30, 2029.
New $1 fee on airline tickets
You pay an extra $1 on every airline ticket to or from Montana. The money goes to the Department of Justice to combat human trafficking. The department reports on spending at the third‑quarter interim budget hearing in even‑numbered years.
Energy studies on hydro and geothermal
The state advances studies for small hydro and geothermal energy. The department must study small hydropower on the water projects it controls and update lawmakers. The Bureau of Mines and Geology may research geothermal sites; work on private land needs written agreements with the land and resource owners. If the nearest utility plans to develop a site, it must pay at least 25% of research costs and sign a development agreement; otherwise the next utility may join or no utility is required. The bureau reports research and funding to the interim committee.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Daniel Zolnikov
Republican • Senate
Cosponsors
There are no cosponsors for this bill.
Roll Call Votes
Senate vote • 4/29/2025
Do Pass
Yes: 30 • No: 20
Senate vote • 4/28/2025
Do Pass
Yes: 42 • No: 6
Senate vote • 4/25/2025
Do Concur
Yes: 62 • No: 38
Senate vote • 4/23/2025
ReconsAction - Fitzpatrick S.
Yes: 70 • No: 30
Senate vote • 4/23/2025
AMD-SB0553.002.003 Buttrey DO PASS
Yes: 96 • No: 3
Senate vote • 4/23/2025
Do Concur As Amended
Yes: 64 • No: 35
Senate vote • 4/22/2025
Do Concur
Yes: 32 • No: 68
Senate vote • 4/5/2025
Do Pass
Yes: 48 • No: 0
Senate vote • 4/4/2025
Do Pass
Yes: 45 • No: 1
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
5/2/2025SenateReturned from Enrolling
5/1/2025SenateSent to Enrolling
4/29/2025Senate3rd Reading Passed as Amended by House
4/29/2025Senate2nd Reading House Amendments Concurred
4/28/2025SenateReturned to Senate with Amendments
4/25/2025House3rd Reading Concurred
4/25/2025HouseCommittee Report--Bill Concurred
4/24/2025HouseCommittee Executive Action--Bill Concurred
4/23/2025HouseHearing
4/23/2025HouseReferred to Committee
4/23/2025House2nd Reading Concurred as Amended
4/23/2025House2nd Reading Motion to Amend Carried
4/23/2025HouseReconsidered Previous Action; Placed on 2nd Reading
4/23/2025House2nd Reading Not Concurred
4/22/2025HouseCommittee Report--Bill Concurred as Amended
4/18/2025HouseCommittee Executive Action--Bill Concurred as Amended
4/18/2025HouseHearing
4/11/2025HouseFiscal Note Printed
4/8/2025SenateFiscal Note Unsigned
4/8/2025SenateHearing
4/8/2025House
Bill Text
Enrolled
4/29/2025
As Amended (Version 3)
4/23/2025
As Amended (Version 2)
4/18/2025
Introduced
3/26/2025