Legislature sees 1,640 so far

With slightly over 20 days left in Montana’s 68th Legislative Session at the time this was written, a record 1,640 total bills, resolutions and other measures have been introduced. Working through this amount of potential law can be a challenge, with long hours on the floor and in committees day after day. However, this volume of legislation shows a robust democracy and a supermajority ready to take on some of the big challenges facing Montana.

I am excited that House Bill 816 sponsored by myself and Sen. Steve Fitzpatrick, R-Great Falls, has passed third reading in the House of Representatives. House Bill 816 includes a $100 million property tax rebate and a $100 million income tax rebate. Montana Republicans’ number one priority is to send money back to the working people of Montana. Additionally. House Bill 816 gives relief to property taxpayers across the State, including the seniors and young families most impacted by high local taxes.

The $200 million rebate comes after eight other tax relief and infrastructure bills, totaling over $1 billion, were signed by the governor. The previous package included my bill, House Bill 212, that exempted over 5,000 Montana businesses from the Business Equipment Tax.

Additionally, House Bill 220, which creates a committee to study how best to utilize Montana’s natural resources and energy resources, is being heard in the Senate Energy Commission. My bill, House Bill 241, prohibiting local governments from mandating solar panels on new construction is also being heard in the Senate Local Government Committee.

I was proud to support all four Constitutional Amendments brought to the floor. These included enshrining concealed carry rights in the State Constitution, establishing a right to hunt, fish, and trap, bringing Montana’s Supreme Court selection process in line with the federal process, and protecting students’ civil liberties on campus from the out-of-control board of regents. I would be thrilled for the voters to be able to consider all of these proposals on their ballots.

It is an honor and a privilege to serve this district, and I look forward to a productive end of session working on your behalf.

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Rep. Josh Kassmier, R-Fort Benton, represents House District 27 in the Montana Legislature.