Montana legislation · 2025 Regular Session
Montana HJ38: Interim study on bolstering public participation in the session/legislature
Status: Failed, May 22, 2025
What the bill says
A joint resolution of the senate and the house of representatives of the state of montana requesting an interim study of public participation in the legislative process; and requiring that the final results of the study be reported to the 70th legislature.
From the engrossed text:
A JOINT RESOLUTION OF THE SENATE AND THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MONTANA REQUESTING AN INTERIM STUDY OF PUBLIC PARTICIPATION IN THE LEGISLATIVE PROCESS; AND REQUIRING THAT THE FINAL RESULTS OF THE STUDY BE REPORTED TO THE 70TH LEGISLATURE. WHEREAS, the Montana Legislature's ongoing effort to modernize and secure its databases and website offers opportunities for increasing public access and lowering barriers to participation; and WHEREAS, the recent website redesign and timing of its launch posed challenges for the public, legislators, lobbyists, and staff; and WHEREAS, since the Montana Legislature has adopted the increased involvement opportunities offered by online participation, the public participation process could be examined to ensure consistency and accessibility; and WHEREAS, Montanans with disabilities need access to both online and in-person meetings and other activities of the Legislature as well as access to reasonable accommodations to ensure the legislative process is accessible to all. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE AND THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MONTANA: That the Legislative Council be requested to designate an appropriate interim committee or statutory committee, pursuant to section 5-5-217, MCA, to review public participation in the legislative process. The study should: (1) examine challenges and successes with the Montana Legislature's new website and bill tracking system, including but not limited to determining …
Sponsors
- Karlen, Jonathan (D, 98) · primary sponsor
Latest actions
- : (S) Died in Committee
- : (S) Tabled in Committee
- : (S) Hearing
- : (S) Referred to Committee
- : (S) 1st Reading
- : (H) Transmitted to Senate
- : (H) 3rd Reading
- : (H) Scheduled for 3rd Reading
- : (H) 2nd Reading
- : (H) Scheduled for 2nd Reading
Votes
- Do Pass (April 18, 2025): 64 yea, 34 nay, passed
- Do Pass (April 17, 2025): 62 yea, 37 nay, passed
Subjects: Legislature, Interim Study Resolutions
Common questions
- What is HJ38?
- HJ38 is a bill in the Montana Legislature (2025 Regular Session): Interim study on bolstering public participation in the session/legislature.
- What does HJ38 do?
- In its own words: A joint resolution of the senate and the house of representatives of the state of montana requesting an interim study of public participation in the legislative process; and requiring that the final results of the study be reported to the 70th legislature.
- What is the status of HJ38?
- Failed as of May 22, 2025. Latest action: (S) Died in Committee (May 22, 2025).
- Who sponsored HJ38?
- Karlen, Jonathan (D, 98).
- Where is the official record for HJ38?
- On the Montana Legislature website: https://bills.legmt.gov/#/laws/bill/2/LC4369
Source: official Montana record. Tracked by Delilah, AI for legislation across all 50 states and Congress.