All Roll Calls
Yes: 368 • No: 28
MontanaSB 7769th Legislature, Regular Session (2025)SenateWALLET
Require conservation districts to comply with state procurement laws
Sponsored By: Gayle Lammers (Republican)
Became Law
Environmental ProtectionLocal GovernmentWaterContracts
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 3 mixed.
Conservation districts must follow state buying rules
Conservation districts must follow Montana’s procurement laws when they spend state grants or loans. Contracts for architectural, engineering, or land surveying services must follow the state’s public procurement rules in Title 18, chapter 8, part 2. These rules apply whenever those funds or services are used.
Limits on contract length and funding for districts
Before issuing, extending, or renewing a contract, districts must confirm needs and follow selection rules in 18-4-303 and 18-4-304. Contracts cannot last more than 7 years total, including extensions. Extensions are allowed only if listed in the solicitation and the first year is funded. Future payments depend on appropriations, and the contract must be canceled if funds are not available. The law also repeals the prior “service contracts” section (76-15-1004).
Tiered bids and exceptions for district purchases
If a contract is over the limit set in 7-5-2301, districts must follow formal bidding rules in 76-15-1006. Ads must list how bids will be scored and run in a local newspaper; any second ad must run 5 to 12 days before bids open or proposals are due. Under $10,000, use normal purchase methods; $10,000 to $100,000 needs at least three quotes and award to the lowest responsible bid; over $100,000, advertise and use an RFP or invitation to bid. In an emergency approved by a majority in an open meeting, districts can use emergency buying. Purchases from government agencies and equipment rentals are allowed without bids when they save a lot; some small buys and A/E/land surveying services may be negotiated under 18-8-212. Supervisors may award to the lowest responsible bidder, delay, reject, or readvertise.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Gayle Lammers
Republican • Senate
Cosponsors
There are no cosponsors for this bill.
Roll Call Votes
Senate vote • 4/17/2025
Do Pass
Yes: 48 • No: 2
Senate vote • 4/16/2025
Do Pass
Yes: 49 • No: 1
Senate vote • 4/11/2025
Do Concur
Yes: 98 • No: 1
Senate vote • 4/10/2025
Do Concur
Yes: 99 • No: 0
Senate vote • 2/10/2025
Do Pass
Yes: 38 • No: 11
Senate vote • 2/7/2025
Do Pass
Yes: 36 • No: 13
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
4/19/2025SenateSent to Enrolling
4/17/2025Senate3rd Reading Passed as Amended by House
4/17/2025Senate2nd Reading House Amendments Concurred
4/16/2025Senate2nd Reading Pass Consideration
4/15/2025SenateReturned to Senate with Amendments
4/11/2025House3rd Reading Concurred
4/11/2025House2nd Reading Concurred
4/10/2025HouseCommittee Report--Bill Concurred as Amended
4/8/2025HouseCommittee Executive Action--Bill Concurred as Amended
4/7/2025HouseHearing
4/5/2025HouseHearing
4/4/2025HouseHearing Canceled
4/4/2025HouseHearing
4/2/2025HouseHearing
3/31/2025HouseHearing Canceled
3/27/2025HouseHearing
3/19/2025HouseFirst Reading
2/11/2025HouseReferred to Committee
2/11/2025HouseTransmitted to House
2/10/2025Senate
Bill Text
Enrolled
4/17/2025
As Amended (Version 2)
4/8/2025
Introduced
12/27/2024