Pat Flowers

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.

The "bathroom" law remains stalled in the courts. Lawmakers appear poised to pass the state budget. Sen. Daines gets a presidential endorsement. And female senators call out sexism in the chamber.

An alliance of the Democratic minority and a small group of Republicans is flexing its power in crafting the $16 billion state budget. The spending package is moving forward despite most Republicans voting against it.

More hard feelings erupt in the state Senate. State lawmakers appear poised to ban trans women from competing in women's sports. And Sen. Tim Sheehy says Elon Musk is doing a great job.

The Montana Senate devolved into emotional arguments and angry tirades on Thursday. Several Republicans sided with Democrats in a vote to send an internal ethics investigation to the state Department of Justice.

The Montana Senate unanimously voted to convene its ethics committee to review a public contract brokered by a state senator from Hamilton.

Discord between Republicans in the Montana Senate has delayed the chamber’s business in the early days of the 69th Legislature.

The 69th Montana Legislature opened in Helena Monday with both Republicans and Democrats highlighting affordability as one of the issues that will dominate the 90-day session.

Just a week after the election, 150 representatives and senators from around the state descended on Helena to begin legislator orientation and choose their leaders.