We’re on day 55 of the 90-day session. This week we’re talking about health care funding, childcare initiatives and vaccine bills.This is The Session, a look at the policy and politics inside the Montana statehouse.

The 2023 Montana Legislative Session is at the halfway mark, and while some lawmakers used the transmittal break to return home, the hosts and reporters of The Session podcast came together live to discuss everything that’s transpired under the dome thus far and answer questions from listeners.Watch here as reporters and editors from Montana Free Press, Montana Public Radio, and Yellowstone Public Radio discuss the major developments from the Montana legislature’s first 45 days and look ahead toward the second half of the session.

Catch up on what happened in the first half of the 2023 legislative session and learn more about some of the things we talked about during The Session live episode on March 8.

Reporters Mara Silvers and Shaylee Ragar discuss this week's deadline for lawmakers to pass general bills out of their original chamber. There’s a lot of policy to consider, including rules about access to abortion.

A bill to establish Indigenous Peoples' Day is defeated. A debate stirs over property taxes. And Republicans say new legislative districts put them at a disadvantage.

This week, lawmakers are starting to piece together the biggest part of the state budget, and worldviews about LGBTQ rights are colliding over rules for public schools. Listen now on The Session.

Today is legislative day 26 out of 90. And this week, we're talking about changes to the judicial branch, the budget surplus and tax proposals. This is The Session, a look at the politics and policy inside the Montana statehouse.

Gov. Gianforte delivers a State of the State Address that focuses on economic growth, but lawmakers are turning their attention to social issues. This week on The Session: the governor’s speech, debate over transgender rights and abortion, and why the state is asking for more money to defend laws in court.

The life cycle of legislation is just getting started. The mechanics of public power are sorting and sifting policy, and much of that work starts with the building of relationships. Learn more now on The Session, a preview of the policy and politics inside the Montana statehouse.

Bills to reform Montana tax policy, support missing persons search efforts and overhaul Child Protective Services move through the Legislature. Host Mara Silvers and reporters Ellis Juhlin and Shaylee Ragar discuss the legislation they're watching this week — along with the schisms between and within the parties that are starting to form.