Montana Legislature

Republicans, who dominate the Montana House of Representatives, have voted Wednesday to formally punish Democratic Rep. Zooey Zephyr.

When budget cuts led Western Montana Mental Health Center to start curtailing its services five years ago, rural communities primarily felt the effect. But as the decline of one of the state’s largest mental health providers has continued, it’s left a vacuum in behavioral health care.

A Helena judge denied the motion to block House Bill 721 from taking effect, saying it was premature.

Montana lawmakers are considering a bill that would require insurance companies to cover continuous glucose monitors for people with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. Multiple studies and experts back up the effectiveness of the devices, showing better blood test results, fewer long-term complications, and a reduction in health care costs.

The state Senate endorsed previously stalled legislation that would provide for a top-two primary in the 2024 race for the U.S. Senate — an “experiment,” sponsor Sen. Greg Hertz testified. Critics decry a partisan power grab and silencing of Libertarians.

After Roe v. Wade was struck down, abortion remains legal in Montana. But providers are defending against threats from lawmakers and possibly violent extremists.

Montana lawmakers spent about seven hours on the House Floor Wednesday debating the state’s two-year spending plan before passing a proposed budget along party lines. Here's a breakdown of where money is and isn’t going.

Montana lawmakers are showing their appetite for a bill aimed at helping food pantries buy goods from local farmers and ranchers. The program could provide a windfall for small producers in search of new markets.

Friday was the official halfway point of Montana’s 68th legislative session. Lawmakers pulled several marathon floor sessions last week to pass bills through the House or the Senate before a procedural deadline.

Twenty high-growth companies, representing hundreds of jobs and average wages close to $100,000, have signed a statement urging lawmakers not to pass legislation that would interfere with access to reproductive healthcare.