Drag show at the Legislature

I would not have believed there would ever be a drag show on the Capitol Steps of the Montana State Building. Not only that, but most of the participants were also in the gallery of the Senate when we started our floor session. They were more of a peace-loving group than the LGBTQ+ folks who were here last week. I guess I never expected to experience such a display; you had to have been there.

It looks like Montana will be the first State to outlaw TikTok. I don’t know much about TikTok, but the word is that the Chinese technology is capturing its user’s data. Therefore, if you use it on a state of public computer, you may be subject to big fines. Some local businesses are crying foul as they are using TikTok as a free advertising medium. That bill number is HB 419; it has not yet been heard in the Senate.

HB 218 is a bill with the intent of putting more restrictions on the “troubled teen” industry. The discussion on the floor was varied, with opinions ranging from kids needing harsher punishments and parents who can’t be trusted, to the schools being abusive and kids can’t call home for support. Again, I see the state wanting to micro-manage a private business. I believe if there is an issue of abuse or criminal activity, the local county attorney should be the one who deals with the issue, not the State.

I have to hand it to Sen. Mike Lang, on his SB 442; he managed to get groups from every facet of life in Montana together and agreeing on a path forward. This bill takes marijuana tax dollars designed for habitat, and in part designates money to help access said habitat. They have developed a formula, taking into account the road miles, area of state lands and federal lands, and the acres of Block Management in a county, to determine the dollars each county gets. Around 40 individuals testified for this bill, including county commissioners and habitat environmentalists. No one opposed the bill, but word has it that the governor is not a fan of SB 442. If you have any pull with our governor, give him a call and ask him to sign it for our counties.

Thanks, and, as always, stay safe!

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Sen. Russ Tempel, R-Chester, can be emailed at [email protected]