All Roll Calls
Yes: 369 • No: 28
MontanaSB 7769th Legislature, Regular Session (2025)Senate
Require conservation districts to comply with state procurement laws
Sponsored By: Gayle Lammers (Republican)
Signed by Governor
Environmental ProtectionLocal GovernmentWaterContracts
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 4 mixed.
Faster purchasing during true emergencies
In an emergency that needs immediate delivery, the district may skip normal ads and bidding. The board must vote in an open meeting and record the emergency. This supports quick action during events like a fire, flood, or storm.
Buying rules by contract dollar size
For non‑architectural and non‑engineering contracts: under $10,000, districts may use a simple purchase method. From $10,000 to $100,000, they must seek at least three quotes and choose the lowest responsible bid that meets the criteria. Over $100,000, they must advertise and use a request for proposals or a formal bid. Districts may negotiate directly for small purchases of vehicles, equipment, materials, or construction/repair if under the state’s small‑purchase limit. For architects, engineers, and land surveyors, direct negotiation is allowed only within limits set in state law.
Clear ad and timing rules for bids
When a district advertises a bid or proposal, the ad must state the scoring criteria. It must run in a newspaper that serves the district. The second ad must appear 5 to 12 days before bids open or proposals are due.
Conservation districts must follow state buying rules
Conservation districts must use state public procurement rules when they spend state grant or loan money. Contracts for architects, engineers, and land surveyors must follow the state's professional services selection process. For high‑value purchases above the state’s formal bidding threshold, supervisors must use the state's scoring and bidding rules.
Limits on contract length and funding
District contracts may not run longer than 7 years total. Extensions are allowed only if listed in the original solicitation. The first year’s funds must be available when the contract starts. Later years depend on future funding, and the contract is canceled if funds are not available. Before issue, extension, or renewal, the contract must meet state selection rules unless there is a valid emergency.
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
House vote • 4/11/2025
Do Concur
Yes: 98 • No: 1
House vote • 4/10/2025
Do Concur
Yes: 100 • 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 House Amendments
4/17/2025Senate2nd Reading House Amendments
4/16/2025Senate2nd Reading Pass Consideration
4/15/2025SenateReturned to Senate with Amendments
4/11/2025House3rd Reading
4/11/2025House2nd Reading
4/10/2025HouseCommittee Report
4/8/2025HouseCommittee Executive Action
4/7/2025HouseHearing
4/5/2025HouseHearing
4/4/2025HouseHearing Canceled
4/4/2025HouseHearing
4/2/2025HouseHearing
3/31/2025HouseHearing Canceled
3/27/2025HouseHearing
3/19/2025House1st 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