Today is the 61st Legislative Day and we are now 2/3rd of the way through the session. The House passed House Bill 2, the general funding bill of the state, this week and hearing started today in the Senate Finance and Claims Committee. Additionally HJ2 the revenue estimating bill was heard in the House Taxation Committee yesterday. The Committee is expected to take Executive Action on it next week. Due to the requirement that a balanced budget must be passed, all expenditures may not exceed the revenue estimates.
Appropriations bills still have until the 67th day which is March 25 to transfer to the other house, and revenue bills still have until the 71st day, which is currently scheduled for March 30.
HB 316 A bill to redistribute certain revenue and income to state general fund- including 10% of the lodging tax, sponsored by Representative Cook had executive action taken in the House Appropriation Committee on Thursday evening. The full committee accepted the recommendation of the Long-Range Subcommittee which I believe includes an amendment to restore the cultural and aesthetic grant program to its current levels. Additionally an amendment added a sunset date on this bill. The revised bill is not yet posted on the LAWS site. Section 9 continues to reduce distribution of the Lodging Facility Use Tax by 10%. This is a bill that has been opposed by the Department of Commerce. It is now headed to the House Floor where action could occur on it next week so if you have an opinion to share with your representatives it is important that they hear from you. The floor action is not currently scheduled, but action could happen as early as next week.
Remember, the legislature has a system for contacting representatives by e-mail http://leg.mt.gov/css/sessions/62nd/legwebmessage.asp or you may leave messages for legislators using the Session Information Desk at 406-444-4800. Messages will be delivered to the lawmakers.
SB 253 Eliminate certain individual and corporation tax credits, introduced by Senator Lake, went to the Senate Floor, but was immediately referred back to the Senate Taxation Committee. The Committee then removed the Qualified Endowments Credit which they had originally included in Executive Action. This bill is also tied to SB 372 which lowers business equipment tax. The new version of the bill is now on the LAWS system. This 32 page bill would eliminate a bunch of tax credits including the “Big Sky on the Big Screen Act” film incentive beginning January 1, 2012. This tax incentive is very important to our film and commercial productions as it is always one of the first questions asked by out of state companies; it is a marketing tool that allows a dialogue with these companies to begin. The Department of Commerce and Tourism Advisory Council provided testimony in opposition to this bill due to the film provision. This bill is headed to the Senate Floor.
HB 316 (Cook):A bill to redistribute certain revenue and income to state general fund- including 10% of the lodging tax. As mentioned above, the Appropriation Committee took executive action on the bill Thursday evening. This bill is now headed for the House Floor; it is not currently scheduled, but could happen as early as next week.
HB 9 (Hollenbaugh): Cultural and aesthetic grants. The House Appropriations Committee accepted the recommendations of the Arts Council for funding priorities and passed the bill.
HB 98 (Welborn): Direct proceeds from sale of state parks; deposit in state parks spec. rev. fund. The bill passed the Senate and is now on its way to the Governor’s Office.
HB 258 (Edmunds): Revise definition of guest ranch. This bill adds the definition of a day visitor to a guest ranch and offers them the opportunity to be served food. A hearing occurred before the Senate Business, Labor and Economic Affairs Committee.
HB 375 (Cook): Reduce certain general fund transfers. This bill would reduce funding to state parks. An amendment reduced the amount of the reduction. Additionally a termination date was added. The bill passed House Appropriations as amended and is now headed to the House Floor.
HB 528 (Smith): Revise laws regarding cowboy hall of fame. In current statute the cowboy hall of fame is supposed to be in located in Wolf Point. According to the testimony on the bill in the House State Administration Committee, it sounds like the organization that is raising funds for the cowboy hall of fame would be soliciting RFPs for a location. The bill was heard before the Senate State Administration Committee.
HB 559 (Esp): Generally revise health laws for seasonal establishments. This bill passed the Senate Public Health, Welfare and Safety.
HB 610 (Cook): General revise certain fees to implement House Bill No. 2. This bill was heard in House Appropriations. The bill would take $0.25 from the fishing access sites and give it to State Parks from the optional motor vehicle registration fee.
SB 3 (Hawks): Require state agencies to report on heritage properties. The House State Administration Committee passed this bill.
SB 43 (Keane): Revise the primitive parks act. The bill was heard by the House Fish, Wildlife and Parks Committee and no action has been taken yet.
SB 253 (Lake): Eliminate certain individual and corporation tax credits. As mentioned above, this 32 page bill would eliminate a bunch of tax credits including the “Big Sky on the Big Screen Act” film incentive beginning January 1, 2012. This tax incentive is very important to our film and commercial productions as it is always one of the first questions asked by out of state companies; it is a marketing tool that allows a dialogue with these companies to begin. This bill will now go to the Senate Floor.
Legislative Activity next week:
HB 2 (McNutt): General Appropriates Act. The Senate Finance and Claims Committee plans to take up Section B today, Sections E, D, and C on Saturday and wrap up with Section A, General Government (including the Department of Commerce) on Monday. Budget Director Ewer made it clear to the Senate Finance and Claims Committee today that HB 2 in its current form is not acceptable to the Governor’s Office.
HB 225 (Welborn): Clarify environmental review requirements for snowmobile trail programs. This bill is scheduled for a hearing on Tuesday, March 22 before the Senate Fish and Game Committee.
The chart below is for introduced bills that may have direct impact on the accommodation tax or issues important to the tourism and film industry. I have removed bills that missed the transmittal deadline.
When looking at the status of a bill on this chart, here are some helpful hints:
Referred to committee means the bill has been assigned to the committee, but the hearing date has not been set.
Hearing means a hearing is scheduled.
* after status indicates the bill is probably dead
Total number of Introduced Bills - 43
Total number of Introduced and Unintroduced Bills - 97
Bill Type - Number
LC Number
Primary Sponsor
Status
Status Date
Short Title
HB 2
LC0119
Walter McNutt
(S) Hearing -- (S) Finance and Claims
03/21/2011; 8:00 AM, Rm 317
General Appropriations Act
HB 5
LC0122
Jon C Sesso
(H) Committee Report--Bill Passed as Amended -- (H) Appropriations
03/16/2011
Long-range building appropriations
HB 9
LC0126
Galen Hollenbaugh
(H) Committee Report--Bill Passed as Amended -- (H) Appropriations
03/16/2011
Cultural and aesthetic grants
HB 98
LC0419
Jeffery W Welborn
(S) Signed by President
03/17/2011
Direct proceeds from sale of state parks; deposit in state parks spec. rev. fund
HB 111
LC0230
Wayne Stahl
(S) Hearing -- (S) Taxation
02/09/2011; 8:00 AM, Rm 405
Improving tax administration by depositing state agency lodging tax in gen fund
HB 193
LC1774
Ron Ehli
(H) Hearing -- (H) Appropriations
01/13/2011; 2:00 PM, Rm 102
Provide funding for Daly mansion
HB 196
LC0662
Pat Connell
(H) Hearing -- (H) Appropriations
02/08/2011; 3:00 PM, Rm 102
Provide that Dept. of Commerce assist local gov't with fed land management props
HB 225
LC0179
Jeffery W Welborn
(S) Hearing -- (S) Fish and Game
03/22/2011; 3:00 PM, Rm 422
Clarify environmental review requirements for snowmobile trail programs
HB 258
LC1919
Champ Edmunds
(S) Hearing -- (S) Business, Labor, and Economic Affairs
03/16/2011; 9:00 AM, Rm 422
Revise definition of guest ranch
HB 270
LC0835
Steve Lavin
(S) Returned to House
03/17/2011
Provide for Trooper Haynes memorial highway
HB 316
LC0527
Rob Cook
(H) Hearing -- (H) Appropriations
03/15/2011; 8:00 AM, Rm 102
Redistribute certain revenue and income to state general fund
HB 317
LC0970
Rob Cook
(H) Hearing -- (H) Appropriations
01/26/2011; 2:00 PM, Rm 102
Sunset statutory appropriations over certain periods
HB 370
LC1833
Carolyn Squires
(S) Referred to Committee -- (S) Fish and Game
03/07/2011
Increase motor vehicle fee for state parks and Virginia & Nevada Cities
HB 375
LC0525
Rob Cook
(H) Committee Report--Bill Passed as Amended -- (H) Appropriations
03/16/2011
Reduce certain general fund transfers
HB 458
LC1886
Jeffery W Welborn
(S) Referred to Committee -- (S) Business, Labor, and Economic Affairs
03/17/2011
Revise laws related to outfitting and net client hunter use
HB 477
LC2117
Roy Hollandsworth
(H) Hearing -- (H) Appropriations
03/09/2011; 8:00 AM, Rm 102
Revise lodging facility use tax allocation to Montana historical society
HB 528
LC2152
Frank Smith
(S) Hearing -- (S) State Administration
03/16/2011; 3:00 PM, Rm 335
Revise laws regarding cowboy hall of fame
HB 537
LC0659
Bill Harris
(H) Tabled in Committee* -- (H) Fish, Wildlife and Parks
03/11/2011
Reinstate outfitter-sponsored hunting licenses
HB 559
LC2187
John Esp
(S) Committee Report--Bill Concurred -- (S) Public Health, Welfare and Safety
03/17/2011
Generally revise health laws for seasonal establishments
HB 577
LC1223
Wayne Stahl
(H) Hearing -- (H) Taxation
03/10/2011; 8:00 AM, Rm 152
Revise taxes by removing tip income for unemployment and work comp purposes
HB 607
LC1974
Jeffery W Welborn
(H) Hearing -- (H) Fish, Wildlife and Parks
03/15/2011; 3:00 PM, Rm 152
Clarifying procedure for sale of B10 nonresident big game combo licenses
HB 610
LC0864
Rob Cook
(H) Hearing -- (H) Appropriations
03/17/2011; 3:00 PM, Rm 102
General revise certain fees to implement House Bill No. 2
HB 621
LC2199
Duane Ankney
(H) Referred to Committee -- (H) Appropriations
03/17/2011
Revise aquatic invasive species laws and provide appropriation
HJ 1
LC0414
Mike Milburn
(S) Scheduled for 2nd Reading
03/18/2011
Resolution urging federal legislation removing wolf from Endangered Species list
HJ 2
LC0205
Roy Hollandsworth
(H) Hearing -- (H) Taxation
03/17/2011; 9:00 AM, Rm 152
Revenue estimating resolution
HJ 4
LC0561
Ken Peterson
(H) Filed with Secretary of State
03/10/2011
Resolution opposing designation of national monuments without state's consent
SB 3
LC0245
Bob Hawks
(H) Committee Report--Bill Concurred -- (H) State Administration
03/17/2011
Require state agencies to report on heritage properties
SB 13
LC0448
John Brenden
(S) Rereferred to Committee -- (S) Finance and Claims
02/18/2011
Revise fee for state parks on light vehicle registration to require opt-in
SB 43
LC0417
Jim Keane
(H) Hearing -- (H) Fish, Wildlife and Parks
03/15/2011; 3:00 PM, Rm 152
Revise the primitive parks act
SB 118
LC0767
Larry Jent
(H) Committee Report--Bill Concurred -- (H) Fish, Wildlife and Parks
03/16/2011
Revise laws on leasing of outfitter/guide equipment to include contracting
SB 131
LC0058
Cliff Larsen
(S) Bill Not Heard at Sponsor's Request -- (S) Taxation
01/18/2011
Allow business improvement district to make an assessment on a percentage basis
SB 144
LC0176
John Brenden
(H) Hearing -- (H) Fish, Wildlife and Parks
03/17/2011; 3:00 PM, Rm 152
Revise laws governing translocation of bison; prohibit free-roaming bison
SB 174
LC2008
Gene Vuckovich
(H) Hearing -- (H) Fish, Wildlife and Parks
03/17/2011; 3:00 PM, Rm 152
Prohibit state funds for movement or relocation of bison to Spotted Dog WMA
Designate Montana Highway 1 Pintler Veterans' Memorial Scenic Highway
SB 253
LC1694
Bob Lake
(S) Committee Report--Bill Passed as Amended -- (S) Taxation
03/15/2011
Eliminate certain individual and corporation tax credits
SB 291
LC1639
Ryan Zinke
(H) Hearing -- (H) State Administration
03/08/2011; 8:00 AM, Rm 455
Disclosure of state publications and media expenses
SB 301
LC2086
Rick Ripley
(H) Hearing -- (H) Fish, Wildlife and Parks
03/22/2011; 3:00 PM, Rm 152
Moratorium on land purchases by dept. of fish, wildlife, and parks
SB 338
LC2147
Ron Arthun
(H) Hearing -- (H) State Administration
03/17/2011; 8:00 AM, Rm 455
Revise laws regarding certain officials and public service announcements
SB 343
LC1877
Verdell Jackson
(S) Hearing -- (S) Finance and Claims
03/04/2011; 9:00 AM, Rm 317
Revise Montana aquatic invasive species act
SB 411
LC2197
Ron Erickson
(S) Referred to Committee -- (S) Taxation
03/17/2011
Revise administration of tax interest, penalties and delinquencies
SJ 6
LC0589
Alan Olson
(H) Hearing -- (H) Natural Resources
03/18/2011; 3:00 PM, Rm 472
Resolution regarding federal land use policy
SJ 16
LC1598
Tom Facey
(S) Hearing -- (S) Highways and Transportation
03/22/2011; 3:00 PM, Rm 405
Study resolution on increasing passenger rail in Montana
Unintroduced Bills
* after status indicates the bill is probably dead
Total number of Unintroduced Bills - 54
Bill Draft No. (LC No.)
Requestor
Status
Status Date
Short Title
LC0175
John Brenden
(C) Draft On Hold
12/09/2010
Provide for reversion of Fish, Wildlife, and Parks funds to general fund
LC0223
Jim Keane
(C) Draft On Hold
10/05/2010
Generally revise laws related to economic development
LC0473
Lynda Moss
(C) Draft On Hold
11/08/2010
Resolution promoting children and nature
LC0475
Lynda Moss
(C) Draft On Hold
11/11/2010
Develop preservation and interpretation strategies for historic sites in SE Mont
LC0505
Llew Jones
(C) Draft On Hold
10/15/2010
Generally revise statutory appropriations
LC0506
Llew Jones
(C) Draft On Hold
10/15/2010
Generally revise statutory appropriations
LC0526
Roy Hollandsworth
(C) Draft On Hold
10/19/2010
Transfer certain state special revenue fund balances to general fund
LC0685
Tom McGillvray
(C) Draft Ready for Delivery
01/03/2011
Revise laws governing transportation permitting
LC1224
Wayne Stahl
(C) Draft On Hold
12/03/2010
Generally revise taxation
LC1230
Wayne Stahl
(C) Draft On Hold
12/04/2010
Generally revise taxation
LC1257
Wayne Stahl
(C) Draft in Final Drafter Review
03/17/2011
Generally revise laws related to recreational resources
LC1297
Margaret (Margie) MacDonald
(C) Draft On Hold
12/05/2010
Generally revise tax laws
LC1302
Chuck Hunter
(C) Draft On Hold
01/11/2011
Revise vacancy and election process within resort area districts
LC1304
Ryan Zinke
(C) Draft On Hold
12/09/2010
Revise public recreation and events limits of liability
LC1331
Rick Ripley
(C) Draft On Hold
01/09/2011
Create a land banking program including no net gain within FWP
LC1381
Jeff Essmann
(C) Draft On Hold
12/05/2010
Generally revise taxes
LC1396
Jeff Essmann
(C) Draft On Hold
12/05/2010
Generally revise fish, wildlife, and parks
LC1397
Jeff Essmann
(C) Draft On Hold
12/05/2010
Generally revise hunting and fishing laws
LC1398
Jeff Essmann
(C) Draft On Hold
12/05/2010
Generally revise recreation laws
LC1399
Jeff Essmann
(C) Draft On Hold
12/08/2010
Generally revise land access
LC1457
Mary Caferro
(C) Draft On Hold
01/22/2011
Generally revise tax code
LC1458
Mary Caferro
(C) Draft On Hold
01/22/2011
Generally revise tax code
LC1466
Dan Skattum
(C) Draft On Hold
02/08/2011
Generally revise tax law
LC1468
Dan Skattum
(C) Draft On Hold
12/10/2010
Generally revise tax law
LC1547
Betsy Hands
(C) Draft Ready for Delivery
01/19/2011
refunds for skier if ski lifts inoperable for 1 hour or more
LC1559
Mike Menahan
(C) Draft to Requester for Review
02/23/2011
Create bond program to build Montana Historical Society museum
LC1575
Mark Blasdel
(C) Draft On Hold
12/05/2010
Generally revise tax laws
LC1581
Mark Blasdel
(C) Draft On Hold
12/23/2010
Generally revise gross receipt tax
LC1582
Mark Blasdel
(C) Draft Ready for Delivery
02/23/2011
Revise taxation of class eight business equipment
LC1588
Michele Reinhart
(C) Draft Request Received
12/05/2010
Generally revise tax laws
LC1589
Michele Reinhart
(C) Draft Request Received
12/05/2010
Generally revise tax laws
LC1615
Michele Reinhart
(C) Draft Request Received
12/05/2010
Generally revise tax laws
LC1641
Ryan Zinke
(C) Draft Ready for Delivery
02/07/2011
Prohibit discrimination on bed tax use based on tourism organization membership
LC1709
Duane Ankney
(C) Draft On Hold
12/08/2010
Generally revise taxation
LC1714
Douglas (Doug) Kary
(C) Draft On Hold
02/08/2011
Revise tax laws
LC1720
Sue Malek
(C) Draft On Hold
01/13/2011
Generally revise tax laws
LC1721
Sue Malek
(C) Draft On Hold
01/13/2011
Generally revise tax laws
LC1722
Chas Vincent
(C) Draft On Hold
02/16/2011
Generally revise laws related to state boards and commissions
LC1784
Kelly Flynn
(C) Draft On Hold
01/18/2011
Establishing stewardship access program
LC1821
Jim Peterson
(C) Draft Request Received
12/23/2010
Generally revise taxes
LC1862
John Esp
(C) Draft On Hold
02/05/2011
Generally revise stream access law
LC1883
Bruce Tutvedt
(C) Draft Request Received
12/31/2010
Generally revise tax laws
LC1885
Kelly Flynn
(C) Draft On Hold
12/31/2010
Revise laws related to nonresident hunting licenses
LC1887
Jeffery W Welborn
(C) Draft On Hold
12/31/2010
Generally revise laws related to outfitting
LC1907
Donald J Steinbeisser
(C) Draft On Hold
01/15/2011
Generally revise fish, wildlife, and parks laws
LC1927
John Brenden
(C) Draft On Hold
01/03/2011
Revise laws relating to fish, wildlife, and parks
LC1945
Ryan Osmundson
(C) Draft On Hold
01/04/2011
Provide interstate compact on national monuments & wilderness govt coordination
LC1951
Jim Peterson
(C) Draft On Hold
01/09/2011
Generally revise wildlife management
LC1975
Mark Blasdel
(C) Draft On Hold
01/03/2011
Generally revise tax laws
LC1978
Mark Blasdel
(C) Draft On Hold
01/03/2011
Generally revise tax laws
LC2039
Anders Blewett
(C) Draft On Hold
02/19/2011
Revise credit for preservation of historic buildings
LC2079
Diane Sands
(C) Draft Ready for Delivery
02/14/2011
Resolution urging Congress, President, and TSA to reconsider search procedures
LC2131
Taylor Brown
(C) Draft On Hold
02/01/2011
Revise designation for Montana cowboy hall of fame
LC2137
Cliff Larsen
(C) Draft On Hold
01/17/2011
Generally revise fish, wildlife, and parks laws
“Probably Dead" is a Bill Progress Category, and is assigned to those bills that have been voted down or missed a transmittal deadline, and to those bill drafts that have been canceled.
To revive a bill that is "probably dead" typically requires a supermajority vote (usually a 2/3 vote) by the House or Senate.
Your active participation is critical to assure that the tourism and film industry has a voice at the table. Please stay involved!
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Until next week…
Anna Marie Moe
Acting Division Administrator
Montana Promotion Division amoe@mt.gov
MONTANA PROMOTION DIVISION
PO Box 200533 •
Helena MT 59620-0501
406.841.2870 • 406.841.2871 (fax)
