2023 MT Legislature: All You Need to Know
From attacks on the Constitution to land transfer to public lands funding, this is your one-stop shop for the latest public lands news from the 2023 Legislature
Wrapping up a Historic Session
Tuesday, May 23, 2:18 p.m
The 2023 Montana State Legislative Session is over, and it was historic for all sorts of reasons. More bills were requested and introduced than in any session since 1973, including numerous bills threatening public lands and waters, wildlife, public access, and our constitutional right to clean air and clean water.
The good news is that, despite historically difficult circumstances, we defeated almost all of them – together – and passed historically good legislation along the way. Though one party held a supermajority that made it simpler to pass bills strictly along party lines, we successfully brought legislators from across the aisle and the state together to protect our constitutional right to a clean and healthy environment, support public lands, protect wildlife habitat, defend stream access, invest in state parks and trails, and more.
How We Protected What Makes Montana Special
We’ve gone ahead and wrapped up all our accomplishments during the session, and I hope you take a minute to read it. We couldn’t have achieved everything we did without you. Thank you.
How to Save SB 442 and Stop a Constitutional Crisis
Friday, May 5, 2:18 p.m
We’ve already faced down one attack on Montana’s constitution during this legislature, and now we’ve got another. This time, it’s about Senate Bill 442.
Governor Gianforte’s veto of Senate Bill 442 wasn’t just inexplicable and unpopular. It’s also a threat to our constitution. The Legislature has the constitutional right to override the governor’s veto with a two-thirds majority if it chooses, but the governor tried to exploit a questionable loophole to take that right away. This sort of governance sets a dangerous precedent, and we need to make it clear that these actions can’t be permitted.
That’s why Secretary of State Christi Jacobsen needs to swiftly send out a “poll override” to all members of the 2023 Legislature to give them their constitutionally mandated chance to override the governor’s veto.
You can help right now by signing a petition calling on the secretary to nip this constitutional crisis in the bud and send the poll override as soon as possible. Please add your name to the petition and share with anyone who’d like to take action.
Sec. Jacobsen has until Tuesday to mail the poll override, and we need to encourage her to do so. Early next week, we’ll deliver the petition in person to the secretary to urge her to send the poll override and defend our constitution without delay.
Once the override is mailed, legislators will have 30 days to return it. And we like our odds: 132 legislators voted for SB 442, and only 17 voted against it. SB 442 is also supported by 56 counties and countless conservationists, farmers, ranchers, veterans, hunters, and businesses. It will secure $30 million for wildlife habitat, public trails, state parks, working lands, weed management, water conservation, and more. It’s a shining example of how democracy is supposed to work, and the legislature has the right to override the governor’s veto if it chooses, just like it would with any other bill.
We need to act fast, so please sign the petition today.
Gianforte Vetoes SB 442. Now What?
Wednesday, May 3, 9:02 a.m
Yesterday afternoon, Governor Greg Gianforte vetoed Senate Bill 442.
When he did, he ignored over 130 legislators who voted for it. He ignored county commissions and local governments who supported it. He ignored farmers and ranchers. He ignored hunters. He ignored veterans. He ignored EMTs.
And he ignored thousands of Montanans like you who have stood up over and over to make sure this historic public lands bill became law.
Prior to the governor’s veto decision, many of Montana’s lawmakers stood with you. Senate Bill 442 soared through both chambers in the final weeks of the legislature, passing the Senate 48-1 and the House 82-17.
Then it landed in front of the governor.
For months, the Gianforte administration said that if we got good bipartisan bills on the governor’s desk, he’d sign them. We held up our end of the deal, but the governor didn’t. SB 442 is bipartisan. It’s popular. It’s secured historic investments in habitat conservation, water conservation, weed management, public access, and more.
We’re exploring all the options about what to do next. This story isn’t over.
132-18
Tuesday, May 2, 8:02 a.m
Thanks to Sen. Lang and all the other lawmakers, community leaders, business owners, and citizens who’ve rallied together to support Senate Bill 442. Thank to all your hard work, the bill cleared its final vote yesterday 48-1 and is officially on its way to Gov. Gianforte’s desk.
The grand vote total on SB 442’s passage through the House and Senate? 132 votes for and 18 votes against.
Yesterday, supporters of SB 442 held a press conference at the Capitol to show support for bill and encourage Governor Gianforte to sign it into law without delay. Your work’s helped us get to this point, and now we need to help SB 442 clear this final hurdle.
Please ask the governor to respect our legislators and the people they represent and sign SB 442 into law without delay.
Time for Gianforte to Sign Senate Bill 442
Monday, May 1, 9:49 a.m
On Wednesday, Senate Bill 442 passed third reading in the House, one of the final milestones in its journey to the Governor’s desk. And on Saturday, the Senate “concurred” 48-2 on SB 442, clearing one of the final hurdles to get the bill on Gov. Gianforte’s desk.
Now, after one final Senate vote today, the governor has 10 days to sign or veto it.
ASK GOV. GIANFORTE TO SIGN SB 442
The good news is that Gov. Gianforte has repeatedly said that enhancing access, conserving wildlife, and protecting open lands are some of his major priorities. SB 442 aligns neatly with each of these, and is supported by a vast coalition of conservationists, hunters, anglers, veteran’s groups, farmers, ranchers, loggers, businesses, local governments, and more.
The bad news is that he’s repeatedly signaled that he’s prepared to veto the bill because it’s not his plan. This is despite SB 442’s alignment with his stated priorities and incredibly broad support across parties, industries, and geographies.
We can’t let that happen.
The governor should sign SB 442 because it will restore around $30 million to Habitat Montana. It will expand the Wildlife Habitat Improvement and Legacy Program, which will provide millions for weed management and crucial habitat and water conservation. It will fund other programs like county road maintenance, veterans’ services, and mental health programs for the benefit of all Montanans. SB 442 is common-sense legislation that helps people and wildlife across the state, and we need to encourage the governor to sign it into law without delay.
We’re mobilizing everyone who supports SB 442 – and it’s a lot of everyones, from every part of the state and political spectrum – to ask the governor to sign the bill into law. Please send him a message today and ask your friends and family to do likewise.
At noon on Monday, we’ll stream a press conference at the Capitol to show support for SB 442, just prior to the bill’s final Senate vote and advancement to the Governor’s desk.
You Thwarted (Another) Attack on Public Lands Funding!
Monday, May 1, 9:35 a.m
Late last week, a small group of lawmakers on the House Appropriations Committee tried to manipulate an existing bill, Senate Bill 538, to strip millions of dollars from Habitat Montana, state parks, trails, and rural infrastructure.
But they forgot to account for one thing: you.
Within just a few hours of these amendments becoming public, almost 500 of you contacted your lawmakers to urge them to oppose SB538. This groundswell, combined with our advocacy in the Capitol, showed lawmakers that moving ahead with the amendments was a non-starter, and on Friday the House chose not to act on the proposed amendments, effectively killing them.
The biggest takeaway? These amendments to SB 538 were a backdoor attack on Senate Bill 442, which is supported by the broadest coalition of legislators, businesses, conversation organizations, farmers and ranchers, loggers, and local governments we’ve ever seen. By trying to amend this bill at the last minute to strip SB 442 funding from crucial and popular initiatives, lawmakers on the Appropriations Committee jeopardized the future of our public lands and the thriving communities they support.
Thank you, once again, for standing up to them and defending Senate Bill 442.
Another One Bites the Dust!
Thursday, April 27, 2:00 p.m
Bum bum bum, buh dun-dun-dun-duh-dun.
On Wednesday, the Senate Finance and Claims Committee voted unanimously to table House Bill 669. HB 669 would have unnecessarily and irresponsibly funneled millions away from Habitat Montana, even though lawmakers had already approved using these funds for conservation in 2021. All told, HB 669 would have siphoned off over $50 million from conservation, wildlife, state parks, trails, and public access programs and blocked these programs from ever using this revenue again. There’s still a very chance HB 669 could be resurrected, but it’s seriously unlikely at this point.
All told, Wild Montana advocates like you contacted their legislators nearly 1,200 times, encouraging them to oppose HB 669 at every step in the process. Ultimately, this work paid off big time, just like it has in the past and will in the future. I feel like a broken record, but your incredible willingness to hold your lawmakers accountable goes such a long way, and your commitment truly does make our work possible and our state a better place. Thank you.
Breaking: Backdoor Attack on Habitat Montana, State Parks, and Trails
Thursday, April 27, 1:24 p.m.
A small group of lawmakers on the House Appropriations Committee is trying to manipulate an existing bill, Senate Bill 538, to strip millions of dollars from Habitat Montana, state parks, trails, and infrastructure.
This is a last-minute attempt to undermine all the good work their colleagues have done to protect wildlife habitat, support our parks and trails, and invest in rural Montana, and it can’t be allowed to succeed.
Ask Your Rep to Vote NO on SB 538
The House will vote as soon as this afternoon, so contact your rep right away.
SB 538 is a backdoor attack on Senate Bill 442, which is supported by the broadest coalition of legislators, businesses, conversation organizations, farmers and ranchers, loggers, and local governments we’ve ever seen. By amending this bill at the last minute to strip funding from crucial and popular initiatives, lawmakers on the Appropriations Committee are jeopardizing the future of our public lands and the thriving communities they support.
Don’t let this stand. Contact your representative right now and urge them to vote NO on SB 538.
It’s Time for Gov. Gianforte to Sign Senate Bill 442
Wednesday, April 26, 4:37 p.m.
On Wednesday, Senate Bill 442 passed third reading in the House, the final major milestone in its journey to Governor Gianforte’s desk. Now, after the bill clears one more procedural vote in the Senate, the governor has less than two weeks to sign or veto it.
What’s riding on the governor’s signature? $30 million for Habitat Montana, along with millions more in funding for water conservation, noxious weed management, veteran’s services, mental health, rural infrastructure, and more. We’re so close to getting this historic bill across the line, so please take a minute to urge the governor to sign SB 442 today.
Ask Gov. Gianforte to Sign SB 442
Gov. Gianforte has repeatedly said that enhancing access, conserving wildlife, and protecting open lands are some of his major priorities. SB 442 aligns with these priorities and is supported by a vast coalition of conservationists, hunters, anglers, veteran’s groups, farmers, ranchers, loggers, businesses, local governments, and more.
However, the governor has repeatedly signaled that he’s prepared to veto the bill because it’s not his plan. That would go against the widespread support for SB 442 on both sides of the aisle and across the state. SB 442 is common-sense legislation that helps people and wildlife across the state, and we need to encourage the governor to finish the work Montanans started.
We’re mobilizing everyone who supports SB 442 – and it’s a lot of everyones – to ask the governor to sign the bill into law. Your commitment has been instrumental in getting SB 442 to this point, and one more push can finish what we started four months ago.
Please urge the governor to pass SB 442 today and ask your friends and family to do likewise.
It’s Go Time
Monday, April 24, 10:38 a.m.
Updates from last week: On Thursday, Senate Bill 442 passed 2nd reading on the House Floor 84-16.
Right after, it had a hearing in the House Appropriations Committee with great support from proponents, even though there was very little notice about the hearing.
On Friday morning, all our work paid off again when the Appropriations Committee passed SB 442 17-6.
Along the way, we avoided all the negative amendments that certain lawmakers had been pushing to curtail SB 442’s historic impact on public lands, wildlife, water conservation, weed management, and more.
Your support has made all the difference. But the work’s not done. The bill still has to pass 3rd reading in the House. It’s not too late to contact your representative and urge them to vote YES on SB 442.
Ask Your Rep to Vote Yes on SB 442
After we get SB 442 through the House, the Senate gets one more chance to “concur” with the lower chamber. Finally – and this is the biggest hurdle – Gov. Gianforte needs to sign the bill into law. This is such a big hurdle because the governor has already threatened multiple times despite widespread support from both parties and Montanans to veto SB 442 because it’s not his plan.
We’ll let you know as soon as SB 442 makes it to the governor’s desk. If you want to be the first to know, join our State Legislative Action Team to get text updates whenever there’s a chance to take action on SB 442 and other public lands priorities for the rest of the session.
Monday Update: SB442 Advances! HB669 Scheduled!
Monday, April 17, 12:54 p.m.
Big news: On Monday morning, Senate Bill 442 passed the House Taxation Committee 17-4! Now it moves to the House floor, where a vote could happen as soon as tomorrow. It’s a crucial point in the bill’s progress, so we need to contact our legislators ASAP and tell them why they need to support SB 442.
Ask Your Rep to Support SB 442
As a reminder, SB 442 will restore around $30 million to Habitat Montana and expand noxious weed management, water conservation, veterans’ services, and mental health programs. It’s common-sense legislation that helps people and wildlife across the state, and our representatives need to get the bill on the governor’s desk without delay.
On the flip side, House Bill 669 is scheduled for a hearing in the Senate Finance and Claims Committee tomorrow, so we need to contact our legislators ASAP and tell them why they need to oppose HB 669.
Ask Your Senator to Oppose HB669 Now
As a reminder, HB 669 strips millions of dollars from Habitat MT. It’s an attempt to slash conservation funding while Montana already has a historic billion budget surplus, and it’s irresponsible that legislators want to decimate conservation programs to funnel more money into tax cuts.
Even if you’ve already contacted your lawmakers, please contact them again! It’s the most crucial stretch of the session, and they need to hear from each and every one of us.
Thanks, as always, for your hard work and commitment.
Crunch Time for Competing Habitat MT Bills
Wednesday, April 5, 1:00 p.m.
After the revenue-bill transmittal deadline, the lay of the land is a little different. There are two bills – one good, one bad – competing for key funding, and it’s up to us to make sure legislators support the right one.
Senate Bill 442 (the good bill) passed the Senate 49-1, and now it moves to the House. SB 442 will restore an estimated $30 million to Habitat Montana. It will also expand Wildlife Habitat Improvement and Legacy Program, which will provide millions for crucial habitat and water conservation, weed management, and more. Montana’s historic budget surplus means we have a unique opportunity to support Habitat Montana to the full extent approved by legislators in 2021, create the Wildlife Habitat Improvement and Legacy Program, and expand other programs like county road maintenance, veterans’ services, and mental health programs for the benefit of all Montanans. As its currently written, SB 442 is common-sense legislation that helps people and wildlife across the state, and we need to encourage our representatives to push it over the line without delay.
Please contact your representative today and ask them to vote YES on Senate Bill 442.
Ask Your Rep to Vote Yes on SB442
On the flip side, HB669 (the bad bill) passed the House, and now moves to the Senate. HB 669 would strip every cent of recreational marijuana tax revenue from key conservation initiatives to funnel more money to the state’s already-overflowing coffers. It’s another attempt to slash conservation funding even while Montana already has a historic near-$2 billion budget surplus, and it’s irresponsible that legislators want to decimate conservation programs to funnel more money into tax cuts.
Please contact your senator today and ask them to vote NO on HB 669.
Ask your Senator to Vote No on HB669
Thanks for everything you’ve done to get us to this point. We’re in the home stretch, so there’s no time to waste. Taking just a minute to contact your lawmakers now could save us years of angst down the line, so please don’t delay.
Constitution Protected!
Wednesday, April 5, 11:18 a.m.
We did it! At adjogeournment on Tuesday, April 4, it became official: together, we defeated the attack on our constitutional right to clean air, clean water, and healthy public lands.
For over 50 years, the constitution has given us the right to “a clean and healthful environment.” It’s helped Montana stave off the sort of environmental disasters that were all too common in times past, disasters that taxpayers are still paying to clean up. Despite that legacy, some anti-public lands lawmakers sought to open the door for corporations to once again pollute Montana’s hard-won clean environment and leave us on the hook for cleaning up their toxic messes.
Thanks to your incredible commitment and passion, they failed. Our constitution is positioned to keep giving us, and those who come after us, the right to breathe clean air, drink clean water, and enjoy the pristine public lands that make Montana special.
Before the 2023 legislative session even began, you were contacting legislators, writing letters to your local papers, and encouraging friends and family members to do the same. You did so much that almost every legislator in the building realized that amending our right to a clean and healthful environment wasn’t just unpopular, but a political liability they wouldn’t touch with a ten-foot pole.
Legislators have long memories, and we’ve made it clear to them that any more attempt to undermine this right will meet the same fate. That’s a massive achievement that will resonate and pay dividends for sessions to come, and it’s due to everything you did over the last four months.
I’ve said it a thousand times, but I’ll say it again: we couldn’t do this work without you.
I hope you take time to celebrate. You’ve earned it.
Huzzah! Habitat MT, Conservation Funding Bill Passes the Senate
Tuesday, April 4, 3:04 p.m.
This afternoon, the Senate voted 49-1 to pass Senate Bill 442, which restores an estimated $30 million to the Habitat Montana program, one of the state’s primary tools for conserving wildlife habitat, enhancing public access, and preserving working lands. The amendment restores Habitat Montana funding to the level approved by lawmakers in 2021.SB442 also establishes the Kelly Flynn Montana Wildlife Habitat Improvement and Legacy Program, which will fund drought resilience, weed management, and other public and private land conservation measures.
This is a serious landslide vote that shows just how popular investing in our public lands is. SB442 is a collaborative bill that benefits public lands, wildlife, farmers and ranchers, private landowners, and it’s exactly the type of win-win legislation that lawmakers should prioritize.
Montana’s historic budget surplus means we have a unique opportunity to invest in Habitat Montana and other conservation measures, support private landowners, and expand other programs like county road maintenance, veterans’ services, and mental health programs for the benefit of all Montanans. Now, we’re turning all our efforts to the House to make sure it follows the Senate’s lead and passes SB442 without delay.
A Feeling Called…Optimism?
Thursday, March 30, 4:18 p.m.
We’re approaching the second transmittal deadline of the 2023 Montana Legislature. By Tuesday, April 4, all bills that deal with revenue, including those that have a huge impact on conservation funding, need to pass out of their respective chambers. If they don’t, it’s game over, sayonara, hasta la vista baby. That means we’re on the verge of defeating bills like House Bill 669 and House Bill 462 that would slash over $30 million from Habitat Montana and prevent the program from ever using those funds again. It also means we’re getting closer to passing a bill – Senate Bill 442 – that would restore all $30 million to Habitat Montana while expanding other programs like county road maintenance, veterans’ services, and mental health programs for the benefit of all Montanans.
On Thursday, the Senate Finance and Claims Committee listened to your input and amended Senate Bill 442 to restore an estimated $30 million to the Habitat Montana program, one of the state’s primary tools for conserving wildlife habitat, enhancing public access, and preserving working lands. The amendment restores Habitat Montana funding to the level approved by lawmakers when they acted on the will of Montana voters to pass House Bill 701 in 2021.
To make a good deal even better, SB 442 creates the new Wildlife Habitat Improvement and Legacy Program, which provides historic funding for a whole suite of positive programs like increased public and private land conservation, noxious weed management, and water conservation and drought resiliency.
Your advocacy made a big difference in getting the bill this far – almost 500 of you asked your senators to support it. Now, the bill has to pass the full Senate before it goes to the House, and it’s crucial that we help get it across the line. Even if you already have, please take a minute to ask your senator to vote yes on SB 442.
Ask Your Senator to Vote Yes on SB 442
But there’s still another bill threatening Habitat Montana.
With SB 442 amended positively, the most urgent threat is House Bill 669, which would strip over $30 million from Habitat Montana over the next two years and prevent the program from ever using those funds again. It would jeopardize habitat conservation, public access, and wide-open working lands lands to help pay for $1 billion in tax cuts, mostly for the wealthy.
SB 442 would also cut $19 million from state parks, trails, and nongame wildlife conservation.The bill needs to pass out of the House by Tuesday, April 4. If it doesn’t, it will be toast. You can play a huge role in stopping HB 669 by contacting your representative ASAP and asking them to oppose it. To make the biggest impact, please send an email AND leave a voice message for your senator at the legislative information desk.
Tell Your Rep to Oppose HB 669
A Pivotal Week for Habitat Conservation
Tuesday, March 28, 12:49 p.m.
This is a critical week for us to stop bills that would strip tens of millions of dollars from Habitat Montana, state parks, trails, and wildlife.
The most urgent threat is House Bill 669, which would strip over $30 million from Habitat Montana over the next two years and prevent the program from ever using those funds again, jeopardizing habitat conservation, public access, and wide-open working lands to help pay for $1 billion in tax cuts, mostly for the wealthy.
The bill needs to pass out of the House by Tuesday, April 4. If it doesn’t, it will be toast. You can play a huge role in stopping HB 669 by contacting your representative ASAP and asking them to oppose it. To make the biggest impact, please send an email AND leave a voice message for your senator at the legislative information desk – just follow the directions in the button below.
Tell your rep to oppose HB 669
On the flip side, there’s good news: the House Appropriations Committee voted to table House Bill 462, another attempt to siphon fund away from Habitat Montana! You contacted your representatives and the governor over 1,000 times asking to oppose the bill, and all your hard work paid off. I can’t thank you enough. The bill won’t be officially dead until Tuesday, though, we we aren’t letting our guard down just yet.
There’s another bill, Senate Bill 442, that could siphon every cent of recreational marijuana tax revenue away from Habitat Montana. The good news is that with some amendments, senators could tweak SB 442 to fully fund Habitat Montana AND support other priorities, which is what we’re encouraging them to do.
Tell your senator to restore Habitat MT funding in SB 442
If we can get legislators to do the right thing by Monday, we won’t have to worry about these bills for the rest of the session. Thanks for taking the time to stand up for habitat conservation, state parks, trails, and wildlife.
Budget Bill Has Implications for Trails, Lower Yellowstone, and More
Monday, March 20, 12:15 p.m.
I wanted to fill you in on a bill that’s been going a little under the radar, at least as far as conservation and public lands are concerned. House Bill 5 is one of the legislature’s big “omnibus” bills, gathering all sorts of different budget appropriations under a single heading. Among many other things, HB 5 appropriates money for the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife & Parks, which in turn uses those funds to support its projects and priorities.
These appropriations have impacts for fish and wildlife, conservation, and access across the board, but we’re focusing on two elements.
First, some of the FWP funds allocated in HB 5 are earmarked for projects to protect wildlife habitat and enhance public access, including along eastern Montana’s Lower Yellowstone River. Bringing these projects to fruition has been one of the major goals of the Lower Yellowstone River Coalition, which we’ve been a proud member of for years.
Second, HB 5 also allocates funds for the Montana Trail Stewardship Grant Program, which we wrote about in detail back in November. The program gives FWP license to grant funds from opt-in vehicle registration fees to towns, cities, and organizations, and agencies so they maintain and develop new trails and trailside facilities.
We’re currently monitoring these two critical HB 5 allocations to make sure they’re included in the final bill. There’s no action for you to to take yet, but join our State Legislative Action Team if you want to hear ASAP when it’s time to stand up for important public lands priorities in HB 5 and elsewhere.
Join the Legislative Action Team
Senate Holds Hearing on SB 442
Monday, March 20, 11:36 a.m.
On Friday, the Senate Finance and Claims Committee held a hearing on Senate Bill 442, which would go against the will of the voters to funnel tax revenue to the Department of Transportation, which would in turn provide it to counties for road maintenance.
The state has a historic budget surplus of nearly $2 billion, so stripping money from conservation is completely unnecessary. The surplus means there is enough money to protect Habitat Montana’s full share of revenue AND generously fund numerous other priorities.
The good news is that senators can still use SB 442 to fully fund Habitat Montana, and that’s what we’re asking them to do.
Please email your senator today and ask them to use SB 442 to restore ALL Habitat Montana funding.
ASK YOUR SENATOR TO RESTORE ALL HABITAT MONTANA FUNDING
The Senate could take additional action on SB 442 at any time, so it’s important that we let them know ASAP that Montana voters want to protect ALL Habitat Montana funding.
MORE Attacks on Habitat Montana
Tuesday, March 14, 4:14 p.m.
Despite repeated opposition from Montanans, the House Appropriations Committee is STILL considering House Bill 462, which would follow in the footsteps of Gov. Gianforte’s proposed budget to permanently strip over $30 million from Habitat Montana, the state’s best tool for conserving crucial wildlife habitat and enhancing public access.
Please call your representative and the governor’s office and tell them that they need to oppose House Bill 462. Before you call, take a minute to find out if your representative is on the House Appropriations Committee (note for Lewistown- and Billings-area residents: Doug Flament from Lewistown/HD9 resigned and was replaced on the committee by Naarah Hastings of Billings/HD50.)
When you dial, you’ll be connected to the Capitol’s legislative information desk – if your rep is on the House Appropriations Committee, ask to leave a message for them and Governor Gianforte. If they’re not on the committee, just ask to leave a message for the governor.
When you take action using this button, you’ll also be able to follow up by sending an email.
We don’t need to attack conservation funding to give the richest Montanans a tax break. Please contact state lawmakers today and tell them to oppose House Bill 462.
Senate Set to Vote on ANOTHER Bill Attacking Habitat Montana, Conservation Funding
Tuesday, March 14, 11:40 p.m.
Montana lawmakers keep finding new ways to attack conservation funding.
Their latest effort is Senate Bill 442, which would siphon every cent of recreational marijuana tax revenue away from Habitat Montana and prevent the program from using these funds again.
Tell Your Senator to Vote NO on SB 442
SB 442 is another attempt to capitalize on Gov. Gianforte’s proposed budget, which slashed over $30 million from Habitat Montana. It would go against the will of the voters to funnel tax revenue to the Department of Transportation, which would in turn provide it to counties for road maintenance.
The state has a nearly $2 billion budget surplus, so stripping money from conservation to fund roads is unnecessary. The state’s historic surplus means there is enough money to protect Habitat Montana’s full share of revenue AND generously fund numerous other priorities.
Don’t let this attack on key conservation go unchallenged. Please contact your senator today and ask them to vote NO on Senate Bill 442.
Taking Stock at the Legislature’s Halfway Point
Thursday, March 9, 5:09 p.m.
We’re past the transmittal break, which means we’re officially more than halfway done with the 2023 legislative session. It means there’s light at the end of the tunnel, and that there’s going to be a TON to do to protect our public lands over the next two-ish months.
Before things really kick off, we’re taking a moment to look back at everything you’ve helped us accomplished over the last two months. We’ve defeated numerous threats to public lands, including bills that would have undermined public trails and Montanan’s stream access law. We’ve generated headline after headline calling on lawmakers to defend conservation funding and our constitutional right to a clean and healthful environment. Many thousands of public lands advocates have united, spoken up, and showed up to show legislators that we won’t tolerate any attacks on our public lands and waters and the outdoor way of life we love.
There’s a lot of work to do, but there’s just as much to celebrate.
Review the First Half of the 2023 Legislature
You Protected Montana’s Stream Access Law!
Thursday, March 2, 9:41 a.m.
Thanks to you, senators voted 34-16 to defeat a bill undermining Montana’s stream access law. Senate Bill 497 would have opened the door for individual property owners, counties, and other government landowners to block our access to our public waters. It would have jeopardized our freedom to float, fish, and paddle Montana’s waterways to benefit wealthy out-of-state landowners that want to block the public from accessing public waters.
In 24 hours, almost 800 of you told your senators to vote no on SB 497. It’s yet more proof that when we speak up together, we can influence legislators to defend public lands and waters.
Victory! Bill Banning Permanent Easements is Tabled
Wednesday, March 1, 12:24 p.m.
We secured another win for conservation, access, and habitat last night when the Senate Fish and Game Committee voted 7-5 to table Senate Bill 357, which would have banned willing landowners from working with the state to permanently conserve and allow public access to their private lands.
Over 100 of you contacted your senators on the Fish and Game Committee to ask them to vote no on SB 357, and your advocacy paid off. SB 357 was an attack on private landowners’ freedom to permanently conserve their land and allow public access. Eliminating permanent easements is the latest trick some lawmakers are using to dismantle Habitat Montana and make it harder for landowners to manage their lands as they see fit while ensuring wildlife habitat remains intact. As Montana grows at a record pace and land prices rise, we need to protect every tool we have to conserve important habitat, sustain working lands, and secure public access.
While this bill has been tabled, we’ll be watching to make sure it stays there. Thanks, as always, for your incredible public lands advocacy.
Breaking: Lawmakers Threaten Montana’s Stream Access Law
Tuesday, February 28, 4:42 p.m.
The Montana Senate is voting on a bill threatening our cherished ability to freely access our rivers and streams.
Senate Bill 497 opens the door for individual property owners, counties, and other government landowners to block our access to our public waters. It would be a serious blow to Montana’s best-in-the-nation stream access law, which allows each and every one of us to float, fish, and paddle Montana’s waterways.
Even worse, SB 497 bill infringes on our right to access streams and rivers for fishing, hunting, floating, and other outdoor recreation pursuits in order to benefit wealthy out-of-state landowners that want to block the public from accessing public waters.
Even a tiny change, no matter how small, to Montana’s benchmark stream access law would jeopardize the water access that sets Montana apart from other western states. Lawmakers are trying to push this bill through the legislature at the last minute before Montanans catch wind of it, and we won’t let them get away with it.
To help stop lawmakers from taking our right to access our public waters, please email and call your senator immediately and tell them to vote NO on SB 497.
Senators are trying to sneak this bill through under the radar, but we won’t let that happen.
It’s Our Right!
Monday, February 27, 4:00 p.m.
Last Thursday, hundreds of Montanans braved subzero temperatures, icy roads, and blowing snow to converge on the State Capitol for the 2023 Rally for Public Lands. They were there to protest the legislature’s ongoing efforts to slash conservation funding and roll back treasured constitutional rights.
Bundled up under portable heaters on the north lawn of the Capitol, attendees and speakers focused on bills that would strip funding from Habitat Montana, the state’s flagship habitat conservation and access program and change long standing constitutional language guaranteeing citizens’ right to “a clean and healthful environment.”
“The Montana constitution guarantees us the right to public lands that are safe and accessible to all with a clean and healthful environment for present and future generations,” said speaker Hannah Muzskiewicz, an educator and public lands advocate from Helena. “I can say with absolute certainty that were it not for the mountains that surround me now, the trails that [cover] these hills, the smell of the trees in the summer, I would not be who I am.
“Look around you! We are fortunate beyond words to get to experience the magical gifts of this environment. I will not take that fortune for granted, not for a single second, which is why I stand here today encouraging all of my fellow Montanans to appreciate what brings us together and to value it more than what tears us apart.”
If you missed the 2023 Rally for Public Lands, get the full rundown and watch a replay of the event here.
Relive the Rally for Public Lands
Another Bad E-Bike Bill Goes Down!
Monday, February 27. 3:26 p.m.
Talk about things moving quickly. Just a few minutes after we published that last update, Senate Bill 342 was voted 27-23 down on the Senate floor! It’s another huge win for local management and non-motorized trails, and it’s due in large part to your tireless advocacy on behalf of our trail systems. Over 500 of you contacted your senators and told them to vote no on SB 342, and all that work paid off. It’s yet another example of what our incredible community of public lands advocates can do, and I’m so thankful for your continued passion and dedication.
If you’d like to keep the momentum going, please make a donation to Wild Montana so we can keep amplifying your voice in the Capitol every day.
Thanks for helping us keep it wild during the 2023 legislature and beyond.
Bad E-Bike Bill Goes Down!
Monday, February 27. 3:02 p.m.
Thanks in large part to your advocacy, the House defeated House Bill 261, which would have opened the door for motorized e-bikes on non-motorized trails on state and local lands, by a razor-thin margin: just one vote. HB 261 was an example of government forcing unnecessary mandates on local communities, and we’re glad the House did the right thing by voting it down. Cities and counties are best qualified to manage e-bikes at the local level, and they don’t need the state telling them how to take care of their local trail systems.
The fight over bad e-bike legislation isn’t done. The Senate is also considering SB 342, which would change the definition of a bicycle to include any e-bike with a motor up to 750 watts. These motorized bikes would be allowed anywhere a non-motorized bike is allowed on state and local trails, including on trails across private lands that allow public access. The bill’s up for third reading in the Senate today (Monday), so please contact your legislator ASAP.
Tell your senator to oppose SB 342
They Just Won’t Leave Habitat Montana Alone
Thursday, Feb. 23, 3:20 p.m.
The pre-transmittal hits just keep comin’. This time, it’s yet another (sneakier) attack on Habitat Montana.
Senate Bill 357 would ban willing landowners from working with the state to permanently conserve and allow public access to their private lands.
It’s a completely unnecessary attack on private landowners’ freedom to decide to permanently conserve their land and allow public access. Eliminating permanent easements is just the latest trick some lawmakers are using to dismantle Habitat Montana, the state’s flagship conservation program, and make it harder for landowners to manage their lands as they see fit.
As Montana grows at a record pace and land prices rise rapidly, we need to protect every tool we have available to conserve important habitat, sustain working lands, and secure public access.
Contact your senator today and tell them to oppose SB 357.
Tell Your Senator to Oppose SB 357
Please note that right now, we’re only directing messages to members of the Senate Fish and Game committee. If you receive a message telling you your representative is NOT on the committee, stay tuned to learn when you can take action to oppose SB 357. You can join the State Legislative Action Team to make sure you don’t miss any action opportunities.
Another Attack on Non-Motorized Trails
Thursday, Feb. 23, 3:06 p.m.
Legislators have been busy this week. One of the bills that’s kept them occupied is Senate Bill 342, which would allow many types of motorized e-bikes on non-motorized state and local trails.
SB 342 goes so far as changing the definition of a bicycle to include any e-bike with a motor up to 750 watts.
These motorized bikes would be allowed anywhere a non-motorized bike is allowed on state and local trails, including on trails across private lands that allow public access.
It’s another example of government imposing unnecessary mandates on communities and taking management decisions out of local hands without actually addressing the unique needs of our trail systems. Cities and counties are the best qualified to deal with e-bike management at the local level and don’t need the state dictating how they manage their local trail system
The Senate is trying to speed this bill through as quickly as possible, so please contact your senator today and tell them to oppose Senate Bill 342.
Multiple New Bills Attacking Conservation Funding
Thursday, Feb. 23, 10:06 a.m.
Over the last few days, legislators have ramped up the attacks on conservation funding with a series of bills targeting Habitat Montana and trying to siphon off voter-approved tax revenue to give tax cuts to the richest Montanans.
House Bill 669 would funnel every cent of recreational cannabis tax revenue away from conservation to the general fund, and Senate Bill 442 would siphon that revenue off to the Department of Transportation. They join House Bill 462, which would permanently strip over $30 million in recreational cannabis tax revenue from Habitat Montana.
All three bills would block Habitat Montana from using recreational cannabis tax revenue ever again. They build on Gov. Gianforte’s proposed budget, which slashed over $30 million from Habitat Montana.
Legislators are trying to speed all three bills through their respective committees and chambers before the transmittal deadline, so we need to act ASAP to contact them and tell them to oppose all three of these bad anti-conservation bills. The state has an almost $2 billion surplus, so there’s more than enough money to protect Habitat Montana’s share of tax revenue AND contribute more than expected to the general fund AND fund priorities like drug treatment programs, law enforcement, and veterans’ services.
House Bill 669
Tell your representative to oppose HB 669
House Bill 462
Tell your senator to oppose HB 462
Senate Bill 442
Tell Your Senator to Vote NO on SB 442
Please note that right now, we’re only directing messages to legislators who can directly influence these bills in committee or in one of the legislative chambers. If you receive a message telling you your representative is not available to contact, stay tuned to learn when you can take action. You can join the State Legislative Action Team to make sure you don’t miss any action opportunities.
House Holds a Hearing on Bill Slashing Conservation Funding
Thursday, Feb. 16. 4:45 p.m.
On Thursday, the House Appropriations Committee held a hearing on House Bill 462, which would slash over tens of millions from crucial conservation programs to fund tax cuts for the rich.
We don’t need to attack conservation funding to give the richest Montanans a tax break. Please contact state lawmakers today and tell them to oppose House Bill 462.
HB462 would strip over $30 million in voter-approved revenue from Habitat Montana, the state’s best tool for conserving important wildlife habitat, and permanently block the program from tapping those funds again. Montana has a nearly $2 billion budget surplus, so it’s completely unnecessary to raid Habitat Montana – there’s more than enough money to support conservation and other important priorities.
In addition to contact your legislators, you can voice your opposition to HB462 at the Rally for Public Lands, taking place at the State Capitol in Helena on Thursday, Feb. 23. Learn more and RSVP below.
RSVP for the Rally for Public Lands
House Moves Forward With Bad E-Bike Bill
Thursday, Feb, 16. 3:45 p.m.
Also on Thursday, the House voted on House Bill 261, which would open the door for motorized e-bikes on non-motorized trails on state lands. There will be one more chance to kill the bill in House before it can move on to the Senate.
State Policy Director Noah Marion issued the following statement on this disappointing development.
“HB 261 is an example of government forcing unnecessary mandates on local communities, and it’s seriously disappointing that certain legislators pushed it through the House anyway. Cities and counties should be the ones to manage e-bikes at the local level, and they don’t need the state telling them how to take care of their local trail systems. We’re encouraging the Senate to do what the House should have done: kill this bad bill and let local trail managers address trail systems’ unique needs.”
We’ll be in touch soon with more information about how you can help us defeat HB 261. In the meantime, you can join our State Legislative Action Team to receive all the latest news and action alerts during the 2023 Montana Legislature.
You can also help defeat bills like HB 261 by joining us at the 2023 Rally for Public Lands on Thursday, Feb. 23. Learn more and RSVP here.
New Legislation Would Strip Over $30 Million from Habitat Conservation and Access
Monday, February 13, 2023. 3:07 p.m.
Last week, we said there’d be more bad public lands bills coming, and sure enough, here’s a new one.
This week, the House Appropriations Committee is considering House Bill 462, introduced by Rep Marta Bertoglio of Montana City, which would strip tens of millions of dollars from Habitat Montana, the state’s best tool for conserving wildlife habitat and enhancing public access.
The committee is planning to vote on HB 462 on Thursday, so please contact your representative and the governor’s office ASAP and tell them to vote NO on HB 462.
Please note that right now, we’re only directing messages to representatives on the appropriations committee, so if your representative is NOT on the committee, you’ll only have the option to contact the governor’s office.
HB 462 would strip over $30 million from Habitat Montana and permanently block the program from tapping those funds again. It’s a needless attack on wildlife habitat and public access: right now, Montana has a historic $2 billion budget surplus, so there’s more than enough money to fund Habitat Montana AND support other budget priorities.
HB 462 is true to Gov. Gianforte’s proposed budget, in which he proposed slashing Habitat Montana funding. The bill flies in the face of the governor’s stated commitment to public access – one of the pillars of his public lands agenda. The governor will remember, of course, that the state used Habitat Montana funds to secure the purchase of the Big Snowy Mountains Wildlife Management Area, which improved access to almost 100,000 acres of landlocked public lands.
It makes no sense to raid a popular program that benefits access and conservation when we have a multi-billion dollar surplus. How the state spends its money needs to reflect the values of its people and Montanans across the board value conservation and public access.
In 2020, voters approved a ballot initiative directing a percentage of recreational marijuana tax revenue to Habitat Montana. And in 2021, a University of Montana poll found that 82% of Montanans want to continue investing this revenue in our public lands.
Instead of slashing crucial habitat and access funding in order to give tax cuts to the rich, the legislature and governor should respect the will of the voters and protect the outdoor way of life we cherish.
Please contact your representative and the governor’s office today and tell them to vote NO on House Bill 462.
New Location for 2023 Rally for Public Lands
Monday, February 6, 2023. 2:01 p.m.
Due to a scheduling conflict, we’ve had to move the 2023 Rally for Public Lands from inside the Capitol Rotunda to outside on the North Lawn of the State Capitol, near the statue of Thomas Meagher. Please spread the word to fellow attendees and dress appropriately for the weather.
Rally for Public Lands
Thursday, February 23
Noon–1 p.m.
Montana State Capitol North Lawn, Helena
If you haven’t already RSVPd for the rally, it’s not too late to join your fellow public lands lovers to protect our constitutional right to clean air, clean water, and healthy public lands. When you RSVP, you’ll have the chance to save a spot on one of several buses coming to Helena from Kalispell, Missoula, Bozeman, or Billings.
RSVP for the Rally for Public Lands
House Planning to Vote on E-Bike Bill
Monday, February 6, 2023. 1:46 p.m.
On Tuesday or Wednesday of this week, the Montana House of Representatives is planning to vote on a bill that would allow motorized e-bikes on all non-motorized trails on state lands.
House Bill 261 would take land management decisions out of the hands of local communities without actually addressing the unique needs of our trail systems. E-bikes are motorized, plain and simple, and it should be up to local trail managers to determine where their use is appropriate.
Please call or email your representative today and ask them to vote NO on HB261.
Contact your Representative Today
HB 261 is an example of government imposing unnecessary mandates on communities. Cities and counties are the best qualified to deal with e-bike management at the local level and don’t need the state dictating how they manage their local trail system.
It’s crucial that we stop this bill before it can advance to the state senate. Please contact your representative today and ask them to vote no on HB 261.
The Rally for Public Lands is BACK
Monday, January 30, 2023. 11:39 a.m.
You’re invited to join folks from across the state at the State Capitol in Helena for the 2023 Rally for Public Lands.
Together, we’ll say loud and clear that we WILL hold elected officials accountable if they try to sell out public lands, waters, and wildlife to corporations and wealthy landowners at the expense of everyday Montanans.
2023 Rally for Public Lands
Thursday, February 23
Noon–1 p.m.
Montana Capitol Rotunda, Helena
Montana state lawmakers are at it again, threatening public land access, funding for conservation programs, and our constitutional right to clean air, clean water, and healthy public lands. We’ve seen bills targeting our constitution, paving the way for motorized e-bikes on non-motorized trails, and attacking programs we depend on to protect public access and wildlife habitat.
It’s time for us to unite and show our elected officials that we won’t tolerate ANY attacks on the lands, waters, wildlife, and outdoor way of life we love.
Over 2,000 people attended the last in-person rally in 2019, and we’re counting on you to help beat that number this year.
When you RSVP, you’ll have the option to save a spot on a bus to and from Helena from Billings, Bozeman, Missoula, and Kalispell. If you’d like to find or organize a carpool, please join the discussion on Facebook.
Lawmakers Resurrect Defeated E-Bike Bill
Monday, January 23, 2023. 4:33 p.m.
Montana legislators have resurrected a bill that would pave the way for motorized e-bikes on non-motorized trails on state lands.
Today, the House Transportation Committee held a hearing during which they discussed House Bill 261. HB 261 would open the door for motorized electric bicycles (e-bikes) on non-motorized trails on state lands.
HB261 is a cookie-cutter bill (we defeated the same bill back in 2021) that would take land management decisions out of the hands of local communities without actually addressing the unique needs of our trail systems. E-bikes are motorized, plain and simple, and can negatively impact trail quality and wildlife. Allowing them on non-motorized trails would pose a threat to foot and stock users and lead to increased user conflict.
And that’s not all. E-bikes are significantly heavier than mountain bikes and erode and degrade trails, especially trails that are not designed to handle motorized use. Their increased range also lets them cover more ground, which negatively impacts wildlife in increasingly remote areas.
The proposed legislation is an example of government mandates on local communities. Cities and counties are the best qualified to deal with e-bike management at the local level and don’t need the state dictating how they manage their local trail systems.
Please take a minute to call or email your representative and ask them to vote no on HB 261. Your email will be more impactful if you take a few minutes to personalize it. Use the talking points above.
Call Your Representative Today
The committee is planning to take executive action on this bill on Wednesday, so please contact your representative ASAP.
Note: right now, we’re only sending messages to representatives on the House Transportation Committee. If you get a message saying “No officials were found in your area,” that just means your rep isn’t on the committee. If you want us to let you know when to contact your lawmakers, join our State Legislative Action Team.
Getting Ready for Action
Thursday, December 15, 2022. 11:35 a.m.
A lot will happen in short order during the 2023 Montana Legislature.
In fact, before the session starts, one anti-public lands legislator has already announced his intention to undermine our constitutional right to clean water, clean air, and healthy public lands, which has been enshrined in the Montana constitution for over 50 years. ANY change, no matter how small, to this right would open the door for corporations to once again pollute our clean rivers, streams, air, and public lands and leave taxpayers holding the bag for cleaning up their toxic messes.
To make following along and participating easy, we’ll be posting regular updates right here about new legislation, developments in the Capitol, and what YOU can do to make sure the Legislature is acting in the best interests of our clean air, clean water, and wild public lands.
We’ll provide expert analysis and key links to help you stay on top of things, so bookmark this page and check back often – things move pretty quickly during the session.
One of the best ways you can help defend the places you love is by joining our State Legislative Action Team. We’ll text you when your senator or representative is a key player, so you’ll only hear from us when your voice will make the most impact.
JOIN THE LEGISLATIVE ACTION TEAM TODAY
We’ll also be posting updates regularly on social media, so be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram (and share important posts with your followers) for all the latest.
It’s going to be a busy session, and your voice is going to be a huge part of protecting the wildlands we love.
Click here to learn more about our priorities during the legislative session.
We have a lot of opportunities to protect Montana’s wild public lands, wildlife, clean water, and natural beauty this session, and we’re excited to have you on the team.
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