Montana Legislature hits hiccup on last day

HELENA — The Montana Senate has wrapped up the final day of the 2013 session after more in-fighting and maneuvering over a bipartisan budget deal.

The Senate approved the deal and adjourned Wednesday — but only after stalling for several hours over whether to accept the compromise bill passed earlier by House Republicans.

The Senate's conservative faction ultimately backed off its attempt to block the last-minute deal. The conservative Senate leaders have been on the losing end of several major votes this session.

Democratic Gov. Steve Bullock's office refused to reopen negotiations on the budget deal. Governor's officials say Senate leaders gave the agreement their informal approval Monday night before the House approved it and adjourned.

The budget deal adds another $13 million in spending to the state's $10 billion, two-year budget.