Click any of the articles below to read the most recent news about Montana politics and elections.
Montana Politics Latest
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MT Supreme Court rules three abortion laws from 2021 are unconstitutional
The Montana Supreme Court has upheld a district court decision, striking down three abortion-related laws passed by the 2021 Montana Legislature.
What to know about Montana's new child car seat law
The safety devices can be frustrating at times for parents, but the new law better defines what type of device is needed for each age.
Montana marijuana industry shares concerns over testing
Business owners in Montana’s legal marijuana industry say they’re facing challenges – as there’s currently only one lab in the state performing the tests they need before selling their products.
Uncertainty for Montana farmers and ranchers while waiting for new Farm Bill
For the last two years, Congress has debated a new “Farm Bill”: a major piece of legislation setting agriculture policy and spending for years to come.Leaders prepare for potentially active Montana fire season
With emergency crews already responding to wildfires in western Montana, authorities say they’re getting ready for what could be a more active fire season in the state.Original Held v. Montana plantiff speaks about new federal lawsuit
Now, some of the plaintiffs from the Held climate change lawsuit are backing a new lawsuit – this time, challenging the Trump administration’s energy policies.Should judicial elections in Montana be non-partisan?
In 2026, judicial elections will be conducted without political party labels – as they have been for decades – after a series of proposals to change the system failed to pass the Legislature.
Gianforte vetoes two healthcare-related bills
Gov. Greg Gianforte has vetoed a pair of health care-related bills – the latest legislation he’s rejected citing budget concerns:
Federal government sued over Indian boarding schools
A lawsuit filed in federal court last week seeks a deeper reckoning about the harms of Indian boarding schools – and the federal government’s role.
Should federal wildfire response be integrated into one agency?
As Montana moves into wildfire season, the federal government is looking at some possible dramatic changes to how they fight fires.
What "No Taxes on Tips" could mean in Montana
Workers in Montana have only had to pay state income taxes on their tips since 2024. If Congress approves one of the bills pushing for “No Taxes on Tips,” that change will go back to the way it was.
New Montana law could help boost ambulance funding
Two years ago, a proposal to support ambulance services through a new fee fell short of becoming law. But ambulance providers who backed the bill were hopeful they’d be able to get it through in 2025. -
Filing deadline changed for municipal election
On May 12th, Governor Greg Gianforte signed House Bill 207, which revised laws regarding candidates filing to run in primary elections.
New Montana law limits what flags can be flown
House Bill 819, sponsored by Rep. Braxton Mitchell, R-Columbia Falls, restricts any flags that “represent a political party, race, sexual orientation, gender or political ideology.”
New leader set to take command of Montana National Guard
Major General Pete Hronek, the state’s adjutant general and director of the Montana Department of Military Affairs, will step down on June 7.
Gianforte vetoes another 22 bills from 2025 legislative session
Gov. Greg Gianforte’s office confirmed Tuesday that he vetoed another 22 bills last week, bringing his total number of vetoes from the 2025 legislative session to 28.Montana property tax bills signed into law, what comes next?
It took until the final days of the legislative session, but lawmakers did eventually hammer out a final plan to revise the state’s property tax system and provide tax relief for primary residences.
New Montana law could see millions for public hunter access funding
A new Montana law will increase the cost for nonresidents to hunt in Big Sky Country. The new revenue will help fund public hunter access programs.
Judge blocks Montana bill that links bathrooms to biological sex
A district court judge in Missoula has put a hold on a new state law that requires Montanans to use the bathroom that aligns with their sex at birth.Two candidates announce campaigns for Montana Supreme Court
Just six months after the end of the hotly contested 2024 elections for Montana Supreme Court, there’s already a race developing for a seat opening up on the court in 2026.
Judge strikes down Montana law banning gender transition treatment for minors
A district court judge in Missoula has struck down a 2023 state law that prohibits gender-affirming health care for transgender youth in Montana – but the decision is already going to be appealed.
MT congressional delegation asks feds to reverse course on grizzly management
Montana’s congressional delegation is calling on federal authorities to reverse a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service decision and move toward delisting grizzly bears from the Endangered Species Act.Governor's vetoes could shape final budget picture
Two weeks after the end of the Montana Legislature’s 2025 session, the final outcome for hundreds of bills has yet to be decided, as Gov. Greg Gianforte has the authority to sign or veto them.Montana school districts applying for funding to boost starting teacher pay
Last week, Gov. Greg Gianforte signed into law House Bill 252 – known as the STARS Act – which makes additional state funding available to encourage school districts to boost starting teacher pay. -
Do schools prepare students with disabilities for life after graduation?
An advocacy organization says it’s going to be visiting high schools this year, to see how well they’re doing at preparing students with disabilities for the transition to life after graduation.
Gianforte vetoes Styrofoam ban in Montana, calling bipartisan bill 'a hot mess'
Gov. Greg Gianforte has vetoed a bipartisan bill that aimed to ban most Styrofoam products in Montana.
Great Falls lawmakers reflect on Montana legislative session
Montana state legislators from Great Falls are highlighting property tax relief and income tax cuts as major accomplishments
Senate GOP split shaped Montana Legislature's 2025 session
On the first day of the session, nine Republican senators voted with Democrats to change the rules the Senate was operating under. It was only the start of what became a session-long storyline.Montana legislative leaders react to end of 69th session
With the Montana Legislature’s 69th session now officially at a close, leaders have been looking back at what they got done over the last four months.
Montana Legislature's 69th session comes to a close
Only a few hours after the House and Senate adjourned “sine die” – meaning without a date to return – most lawmakers had already packed up their desks and headed out of the State Capitol.