1-20-17 Bill Status

Summary: School funding and game wardens’/peace officers’ retirement moving on. The attempt to eliminate election day as a holiday has failed. Crazy gun bills introduced.
 

BILLS WE SUPPORT

HB 191 (Berglee) – fiscal note

HB 191 provides inflationary funding of k-12 basic and per pupil entitlements and other components of our public school funding program. Passed House 3d reading today. On its way to the Senate.
 

HB 136 (Custer)

MEA-MFT bill – HB 136 increases state funding of the defined benefit Game Wardens’ and Peace Officers’ Retirement System by 2% in order to meet our state constitution’s directive that our public employee retirement systems be actuarially funded. MEA-MFT member correctional and probation and parole officers are embraced in this system. 
 

Passed House State Administration today as introduced. No amendments. Could be on the House floor for 2d reading and debate early next week. Please contact members of the House. Urge them to vote YES on HB 136.
 

BILLS WE OPPOSE
 

HB 155 (G. Hertz) – HB 155 eliminates general election day as a state holiday. Tabled House State Administration today.
 

SB 99 (C. Smith) – Prohibits enforcement of federal firearms laws by Montana public employees. Referred to Senate Judiciary.
 

HB 246 (Brodehl) – Authorizes a person to carry a firearm on United States postal services property.  Hearing House Judiciary, January 24.
 

HB 280 (Brodehl) – Authorizes legislators to carry handguns on state property. Referred to House Judiciary.