Here’s a look at top items on the legislative agenda:
State budget: Whether majority Republicans in the House plan to break up House Bill 2, the main state budget bill, into several separate bills may be revealed this week. Rep. John Sinrud, R-Bozeman and chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, has scheduled a hearing for HB2 before the committee Wednesday, Room 102, 9 a.m.
On Monday, the House Federal Relations, Energy and Telecommunications Committee is scheduled to vote on HB25, the bill backed by NorthWestern. Rep. Alan Olson, R-Roundup, is the bill’s sponsor. Room 172, 3 p.m.
That same afternoon, the Senate Natural Resources Committee will hear Senate Bill 195, which sponsor Sen. Greg Lind, D-Missoula, says is a more consumer-friendly version of the same proposal. Room 422, 3 p.m.
Another version of a similar proposal will be heard Wednesday before the House committee: HB434, sponsored by Rep. Brady Wiseman, D-Bozeman. Room 172, 3 p.m.
On Friday, the Senate committee will hear SB311, which says NorthWestern Energy must procure power for its customers at “the lowest known total cost,” regardless of other benefits of a power purchase. Sen. Roy Brown, R-Billings, is the sponsor. Room 422, 3 p.m.
Iraq war: On Monday, Sen. Steve Gallus, D-Butte, will present Senate Joint Resolution 9, which asks the Montana Legislature to go on record against President Bush’s plan to increase U.S. troops in Iraq by 21,500. Senate State Administration Committee, Room 335, 3 p.m.
Tax policy: A Republican proposal to cut by one-third the property tax rate on business equipment will be heard Tuesday before the House Taxation Committee. HB529, sponsored by Rep. Bob Lake, R-Hamilton, also increases from $20,000 to $100,000 the value of business equipment that is exempt from taxation. Room 152, 8 a.m.
On Wednesday, Sen. Jim Elliott, D-Trout Creek, will present two bills to make it easier for the state Revenue Department to collect certain Montana income taxes that aren’t being paid by out-of-state residents. SB439 creates a withholding system for mineral royalty income and SB430 authorizes the state to hire out-of-state attorney to collect tax debts owed by nonresidents. Similar bills have been tied up in a House committee. Senate Taxation Committee, Room 405, 9 a.m.
Bikes, motorcycles and automobiles: On Friday, Rep. Robin Hamilton, D-Missoula will present HB581, which changes state law so that bicyclists don’t have to stop at red lights or stop signs as long as they slow down and yield the right of way. House Transportation Committee, Room 455, 3 p.m.
A packed hearing is a sure bet Thursday for HB534, which would require that helmets be worn by motorcycle drivers and passengers. Rep. Ron Erickson, D-Missoula, is the sponsor. House Judiciary Committee, Room 137, 8 a.m.
The House Business and Labor Committee on Wednesday will hear HB600, which bans the use of hand-held cell phones while driving. Rep. Holly Raser, D-Missoula, is the sponsor. Room 172, 8 a.m.
Passing an English proficiency test would be required to get a driver’s license in Montana under HB549, which will be heard Monday before the House Judiciary Committee. Rep. Dennis Himmelberger, R-Billings, is the sponsor. Room 137, 9 a.m.
Education: On Friday, Rep. Rick Jore, C-Ronan, will present HB404, which abolishes the state law requiring children to attend school. House Education Committee, Room 137, 3 p.m.
Stream access: The House Fish, Wildlife and Parks Committee on Tuesday will hear HB424, which requires the state Fish, Wildlife and Parks Commission to mark all public-access sites to lakes, river and streams where the public has the right to recreational use and to provide an annual report to the Legislature on stream-access enforcement. Rep. Debby Barrett, R-Dillon, is the sponsor. Room 152, 3 p.m.
Gambling: A bill allowing negotiation for Class III gaming on Indian reservations in Montana, such as craps, roulette, slot machines and blackjack, will be heard Monday before the House Business and Labor Committee. Rep. Joey Jayne, D-Arlee, is the sponsor of HB146. Room 172, 9 a.m.
Columbus Day: Sen. Don Ryan, D-Great Falls, will present his bill Friday to abolish Columbus Day as a state holiday and replace it with a Sept. 11 holiday commemorating the responders to the terrorist attacks that day. The bill is SB410. Senate State Administration Committee, Room 335, 3 p.m.
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