Legislative Report

4-1-23

Happy birthday Granddaughter Kass, six years old April 1!

It’s been a full week, starting with the floor session last Saturday. Most days this week typically started at 7:15 or so with whip meetings, caucus meetings, or full Appropriations Committee meetings. This week Appropriations was every morning, break for floor sessions at one, then back to Approps after that. We typically went til six or seven, but Friday night broke at about nine p.m..

Saturday April 1 started off with Approps at nine for a short session. Then the annual Legislative trap shoot was held at the Helena Trap Club. It was a fun bipartisan event. Sad to say, I on one round, was soundly outshot by Helena Legislator Melissa Romano, who was a first time shooter! It’s not hard to be humbled.

Last week I failed to remember mentioning that the Garfield County Juniors and Seniors were able to Join us at the Capitol. It was fun seeing them and I was glad to see them take advantage of touring the Capitol during Session. Tuesday of this week brought the Terry Civics class to the Capitol. Governor Gianforte happened to stop by the House Floor right before 1:00 session and was able to get a photo with the Terry crew.

This past week and into next week are especially busy being up against another transmittal deadline. Thursday, April 6th all revenue related bills have to cross from one house to the other or die. Consequently, it is a time of too many bills in too short of time.

Thursday I presented House Bill 965 to the Judiciary Committee. HB 965 amends the Montana Constitution. An amendment must pass the Legislature with at least 100 of the 150 total votes to get on the ballot for voter approval, a high bar. Right now the Supreme Court has the authority to determine the requirements to sit for the Bar exam and the conduct of its members. 965 simply removes that authority, it will become the responsibility of the Legislature. No other profession that I know of, has the authority to self regulate. Perhaps the rules will stay the same, perhaps not. The citizens of Montana should have the same access to the legal profession licensing and review as any other. Monday I will be able to present 965 on the Floor.

Without going into detail, 100’s of millions of dollars went through Appropriations last week and this. It is truly unfortunate how people seem to lose their minds when there is a false sense of prosperity. Fortunately, early in the Session we were able to pass bills that were eventually signed into law by the Governor. 20 – 25% of the amount of taxes collected in excess of the current budgeted amount will be able to be refunded to those contributing to the excess payments. That may be the only amounts that get refunded, unfortunately. The remainder may result in a historic tax increase that we didn’t have to vote for. That makes it much easier for many to spend. Conservatives will continue to battle to increase this amount. We lost a key vote in Appropriations this week that would have refunded another $280,000,000 of residential property taxes. All seven Democrats were joined by four Republicans to kill this attempt by a 11-12 vote.

We will have a morning floor session Friday before adjourning for Easter and a welcome couple of days at home. Best wishes for a Blessed Easter!

Your calls, texts, emails are appreciated. Come visit!

For Freedom, Representative Jerry Schillinger, Jerry. Schillinger@legmt.gov, 406-974-2478. Montana Legislative website is Web:leg.mt.gov