Brandon Ler

Gov. Greg Gianforte has signed a new bill into law, nearly a year after the last legislative session ended. The policy defines male and female in state law as binary, and would eliminate legal recognition of transgender, nonbinary and intersex Montanans.

Two Butte residents are suing a local mining company over contaminated water that led to a ‘do not consume’ order for some residents on August 13; Montana’s Speaker of the House says he’s delaying enactment of a bill that defines biological sex as binary.

Gov. Greg Gianforte Thursday signed into law a package of bills aimed at changing the state’s bedrock environmental policy. Lawmakers were eager to modify the policy following a landmark climate ruling in December.

After 85 days, introducing more than 1,000 bills and passing a two-year state budget, the Montana Legislature has adjourned its 69th session. Montana Public Radio’s Shaylee Ragar joined Elinor Smith to talk through the political dynamics and policy debates.

The 69th Montana Legislature adjourned Wednesday after passing a two-year, $16 billion budget and a proposal to restructure property taxes.

Montanans voice mounting concern about the impact of federal budget cuts and tariffs. Montana's governor and congressional delegation don't seem to share those concerns. And the Montana Legislature faces a busy, and possibly contentious second act.

Legislators have voted forward bills on property tax relief, Medicaid expansion, judicial oversight and more.

Press freedom and press access are at stake in the fight over the Gulf of Mexico's name. Legislators want to make sure you use the right bathroom. A climate change court ruling is behind several bills to change Montana's environmental laws. And Republican lawmakers join Vice President Vance in making fun of climate activist Greta Thunberg.

Gov. Greg Gianforte again wants Montana lawmakers to cut the top income tax rate. However, a bipartisan group of lawmakers has their own income tax proposal.

The first week of the 2025 Legislature gets off to a contentious start. Gov. Gianforte invites Elon Musk to Montana. Legislative leaders plan to revive efforts to change the judiciary. Newly sworn-in Senator Tim Sheehy is wasting no time making a splash. Retiring Congressman Matt Rosendale makes a quiet exit.