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Montana Politics

Montana News

Campaign Beat: 'Nationalizing' elections; 'woke' signs; Religion in schools; Epstein files

Sally Mauk, Rob Saldin, Holly Michels

Montana Republican leaders are mum on President Trump's threat to "nationalize" elections. Tribal leaders vow to fight Trump administration efforts to remove "woke" exhibits from national parks and monuments. Gov. Gianforte pushes for the establishment of a conservative religious club in Montana schools. And the Epstein files become an issue in Montana's congressional race.

Watch: The Session 2025 legislative recap

Learn about the key bills, big debates, party politics and what’s next for Montana’s laws from the journalists who were there. Watch the recording of our live legislative recap.

Montana News

Missoula city council approves sweeping zoning changes

Austin Amestoy

The Missoula City Council Monday approved sweeping new rules for residential development within the city. The major overhaul will allow developers to build more and larger apartment complexes, and loosen rules for how many housing units can sit on a single plot, among other changes.
Montana News

Montana businesses join protest over immigration enforcement actions

Shaylee Ragar

Businesses around Montana closed their doors or altered their operations Friday to protest immigration enforcement actions. The closures are part of a national movement.
Montana News

Minnesota shooting, ICE protests frame the week in Montana politics

Sally Mauk, Rob Saldin, Holly Michels

Montanans respond to the Minnesota protester shootings with peaceful protests and policy changes. Democratic congressional candidates denounce the shootings. Sen. Steve Daines calls for an investigation and defends ICE. And the jury is still out on the long-term political impact of the shootings and the government response.
Montana News

Lawmakers consider changes to ease expungement of criminal records

Elinor Smith

Montanans charged or convicted of crimes in the state often face barriers finding a job and housing, long after their cases have closed. And the internet creates a permanent record. The state is looking at ways to change that.
Montana News

Montana representatives back $10 billion Homeland Security funding bill

Shaylee Ragar

The federal government could partially shut down this weekend if Congress doesn’t pass a spending package. Montana’s congressional delegates are holding the Republican line to advance law enforcement funding.
Montana News

Lawmakers consider proposal to appoint, rather than elect, utility regulators

Shaylee Ragar

Amid internal strife at the Montana Public Service Commission, a legislative committee will study reshaping the state’s utility oversight board.
Montana News

Helena passes immigration enforcement resolution amid calls for stronger action

Shaylee Ragar

Helena city officials Monday solidified policies for limiting interactions with federal law enforcement. Citing the unrest in Minneapolis, some residents say they aren’t strong enough.
Montana News

Campaign Beat: Independents, culture and conspiracy

Sally Mauk, Rob Saldin, Holly Michels

The Montana political world awaits UM president Seth Bodnar's decision about his future, and Republicans aren't waiting to put out an attack ad. Democratic Senate candidate Reilly Neill thinks a conspiracy is behind a possible Bodnar Senate run. And new candidates with no political experience continue to enter the congressional races.
Montana News

Ellsworth pleads not guilty to misconduct charge over no-bid contract

Shaylee Ragar

A state senator pleaded not guilty Thursday to an official misconduct charge over a no-bid contract he awarded to a longtime colleague in 2024. The case is now headed for a jury trial.
Montana News

Property tax debate moves from the Legislature to the courts

Shaylee Ragar

One former, and two current state senators are challenging a new property tax policy in court. Around 80% of residential property owners saw tax relief last year under the policy. The lawsuit amplifies a fracture between Republican lawmakers.

Capitol Talk is MTPR's weekly legislative news and analysis program. MTPR's Sally Mauk is joined by Lee Newspapers State Bureau Chief Holly Michels and UM Political Science Professor and Mansfield Center Fellow Rob Saldin.

Capitol Talk

News and analysis from the Montana Legislature.

The Session

A breakdown of the latest action we’re watching in the statehouse.

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Politics

Montana politics, elections and legislative news