Legislature hearing bills in 66th session

Snow is starting to fall, cattle are being fed and the Legislature is back in Helena for the 66th Legislative Session. This session 58 Republicans and 42 Democrats have pulled up stakes and moved to Montana’s capitol for the next approximately three-and-a-half months to try and make our state a better place to live.

There have not been many bills heard so far over the past two weeks, but what they lack in number, they make up in substance. In the House Judiciary Committee, we have heard bills concerning the board of pardons and parole, missing persons reports and child abuse.

In the Agriculture Committee, we have heard bills on pesticide laws and livestock fee refunds, and in the Natural Resources Committee we have heard a couple bills dealing with water rights.

While it is correct that some bills are far more intense and emotional than others, it is important to keep in mind that the majority of proposed legislation, while not very meaningful to all of us, is still very important to some of us.

I have had quite a few issues brought to my attention over the past year and a half, ranging from laws relating to government agencies, to bonus points for hunting and fishing permits, to things as simple as what fireworks people are allowed to celebrate with over the Fourth of July. I am working on each and every issue, trying to bring these bills to the governor’s desk for his signature.

I will do my best to keep everyone in House District 33 up to date on everything going on down here in Helena, and if anyone has any questions or concerns about any legislation I am working on, or any legislation in general, do not hesitate to reach out to me by phone or email.

The following quote is one of my favorites, and I try to keep it in mind when I am in Helena, working in The People’s House.

“It is much more important to kill bad bills than to pass good ones.” — Calvin Coolidge

——

Rep. Casey J. Knudsen, R-Malta, represents Montana House District 33.