Here's a look at significant and intriguing bills up for committee hearing in the Capitol this week:
Health care tax credits: On Friday, the House Taxation Committee will hear House Bill 270, which offers state income-tax credits to individuals and businesses to cover health insurance and medical costs. Rep. Michael Lange, R-Billings, is the sponsor. Room 152, 8 a.m.
On Thursday, the House Appropriations Committee will hear HB204, which creates a state spending limit. Rep. Dave Kasten, R-Brockway, is the sponsor. That same day, the panel also will hear a bill to set aside $100 million for county infrastructure projects. Rep. Ron Erickson, D-Missoula, is sponsoring HB191. Room 102, upon adjournment of the House afternoon floor session.
Education: The bill that increases state funds for public schools by $30 million more than requested by Gov. Schweitzer will be heard Friday before the House Education Committee. Rep. Gary Branae, D-Billings, is the sponsor of HB152. Room 137, 3 p.m.
The same panel on Wednesday will hear HB230, which allows school districts to hire teachers without a teaching certificate, after that person completes a one-year internship and other requirements. Rep. Roger Koopman, R-Bozeman, is the sponsor. Room 137, 3 p.m.
Elections and campaigns: Two bills that would eliminate same-day voter registration are up for hearing Thursday in the House State Administration Committee. HB266, from Rep. Rick Jore, C-Ronan, would end voter registration 14 business days before the election, and HB281, from Rep. Tom McGillvray, R-Billings, would end it four days before the election. Room 455, 8 a.m.
In the same committee on Friday, Rep. Robyn Driscoll, D-Billings, will present HB279, which requires that people who gather signatures to qualify initiatives for the ballot must be paid by the hour rather than per signature gathered. Room 455, 8 a.m.
Income taxes: A bill cutting Montana's top income-tax rate from 6.9 percent to 3.9 percent will be heard Wednesday in the House Taxation Committee. Rep. Craig Witte, R-Kalispell, is the sponsor of HB220. Room 152, 8 a.m.
Payday loan regulation: On Monday, a bill tightening regulations on high-interest “payday loans” will be heard before the House Business and Labor Committee. Rep. John Parker, D-Great Falls, is the sponsor. Room 172, 9 a.m.
Public employee pensions: The House State Administration Committee on Tuesday will hear HB159, which increases the contribution by the state and other employers to public-employee pension funds. Rep. Carol Lambert, R-Broadus, is the sponsor. Room 455, 8 a.m.
Energy policy: A bill establishing a state “transmission and transportation authority” that would help coordinate pipeline and transmission-line projects to encourage energy development is up for hearing Monday before the House Federal Relations, Energy and Telecommunications Committee. Rep. Alan Olson, R-Roundup, is the sponsor of HB114. Room 455, 3 p.m.
Breast feeding: On Wednesday, the Senate Public Health Committee will hear SB89, which requires all government employers to provide breaks and private places for breast-feeding mothers, and prohibits employers from discriminating against breast-feeding mothers. Sen. Carol Williams, D-Missoula, is the sponsor. Room 317A, 3 p.m.
Human cloning: A bill to ban human cloning in Montana will be heard Tuesday before the House Judiciary Committee. Rep. Krayton Kerns, R-Laurel, is the sponsor of HB215. Room 137, 8 a.m.
|
 |
 |
Add your comment now! Write your comment in the form below.
(Email address is for verification only. If you'd like to email a story, look for the link above)