[{"_1":2,"_100":-5,"_101":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6325814,"mediaKeyId","2331072-d175139bce68b4630da31503be0ff0ef","parentId",2331072,"title","Senate hears privacy bill expanding protections for DNA and emerging 'neurodata'; sponsor seeks refinements","audioSeconds",1814,"startMs",1184000,"endMs",2998000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2331072-d175139bce68b4630da31503be0ff0ef&start=1184&end=2998","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2331072-d175139bce68b4630da31503be0ff0ef/thumbnail_1184000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6325814/Montana/Senate-hears-privacy-bill-expanding-protections-for-DNA-and-emerging-neurodata-sponsor-seeks-refinements","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6325814-857de82540d5c392c099d782308a11b7/orig.mp4?Expires=1776725022&Signature=o6DvxwJ74Qemj~7bVDMrRmZPt1s5EYHJzfgfZl6-GFqwYprIYZe8S5r5fN-n~up0t0UlveuWET6ihYWuZjmq2nYBr0Fal3q9bciHtDLvpo8NdLpna2q-9KhZU~ZYdyCNtad-2J4H0asA43-N6wJiXag9d4QiW4dgzLJdkaqItwfqatObhnXhiCtsqlgXTBtMfVhLLMCg99Dt0Wd5U3Nmwl9cz2Pysq3~VLMa7EqwNj8WohQ-Tlw7deWPt2f5Q8te1tAvIgsO3xWfTrsjw5Vgh70KZDfbRQ4mLJHEVlHsC8ZBby1L-bHLW8IgoCiOTs9AAg8WGWYxAPl6l23cjLcqsA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Montana Legislature","date","2025-02-17T00:00:00Z","article","Senator Daniel Zolnikov introduced Senate Bill 163, saying the measure combines cleanup to last session’s genetic‑data law with new protections and definitions for neurotechnology data. Zolnikov told the committee the bill affirms Montanans’ rights over DNA and related biologic data and adds a waiver process to allow informed participation in clinical research.

The sponsor described several implementation details: consent and deletion rights, a 14‑day waiting period for a waiver obtained after initial sample collection, and a requirement that privacy notices and the waiver be presented separately from other forms. Zolnikov said the bill would permit a resident to waive deletion in order to participate in a clinical trial, and that genetic or neural data collected in the state “may only be transferred or stored outside of the United States with the consent of the resident.” He told the committee the attorney general may initiate civil enforcement actions under the consumer protection authorities cited in the bill.

Proponents included industry and privacy advocates. Don Cape, speaking for a coalition that supports the measure, urged keeping Montanans’ genetic and neural data within the United States and said unauthorized foreign access poses risks. A proponent who characterized a clinical‑research consent process said trial consent typically contains a clear, separate section that explains the data‑use and privacy terms line by line, rather than burying consent in other paperwork.

Committee members pressed practical questions about how the law would work. A witness and the sponsor described implementation features intended to reduce accidental consent: the bill requires the waiver for research use to be obtained no sooner than 14 days after the biological sample collection and to be separate from other consent forms, and a written notice must be in at least 12‑point font. Senator Zolnikov said he would propose additional amendments to refine the definition of “neurodata” (or “neurotechnology data”) and to clarify the scope of permitted exception language for pooled external datasets.

Representative concerns included enforcement and private causes of action. Representative Griffith asked whether the bill allows a private right of action; Zolnikov told the committee the state attorney general has authority to enforce the consumer‑protection provisions and that other bills in process could adjust the AG’s authority. The sponsor noted that some states’ private‑right‑of‑action approaches have created large volumes of litigation.

Witnesses cited prior examples of data exposure and cross‑border risk (testimony referenced the October 2023 cyber incident involving a consumer genetic service). The sponsor said the bill would allow civil suits when the statute is violated and emphasized the intent to strengthen Montanans’ control over sensitive biological and neural data.

Committee members did not take final action; the sponsor asked for time to circulate further amendments clarifying neurotechnology definitions and waiver language before the committee votes.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","House Energy, Technology, and Federal Relations Feb 17, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Senator Daniel Zolnikov introduced Senate Bill 163, which would extend Montanans’ ownership, consent and deletion rights for genetic data and create protections for data derived from neurotechnology.","taxTitle","2025 Legislature MT, Montana","taxId",77694,"location","Montana","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6325818,"Montana lawmakers hear bipartisan push to expand electric transmission capacity",969,152000,1121000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2331072-d175139bce68b4630da31503be0ff0ef&start=152&end=1121","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2331072-d175139bce68b4630da31503be0ff0ef/thumbnail_152000.jpg","/articles/6325818/Montana/Montana-lawmakers-hear-bipartisan-push-to-expand-electric-transmission-capacity","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6325818-b3b5d4d78b0bb1a26a2669dc6e530e09/orig.mp4?Expires=1776725022&Signature=RF6caS-g5rBi8zqrOXlAgGkEOaWc8rvFNNHBSl7KqXKYPBkzx4U0H7Iv23EkUocpz52wtdf7LmhCDLywbJR0DdeDZ4WmDG8aaeZYXOJfyruTE4pK4EabeV98fMtlHB7Z8fV6kCHkW0MDmLDAdqKxueyL162hy9Qqghy~M90-E-Fl3WnCzTKKKaJT0WW-E4jpTuFAVEklDGW46pitvwbvEE8WIs4zrBNMMMzyKjyByHClVV9ccwzUTx5UZChv0TO07DW2mt~2pupXptEfQI-ijXEBYBEDk6IFOCqNwXaRvD1o2NNQZX6ibmu8k4xqUNlTo5qjnah9lmt7rggfeJP1Dg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Representative Greg Kametz, sponsor of House Joint Resolution 15, opened a committee hearing urging the Legislature to endorse a state-wide push for greater electric transmission capacity to keep electricity affordable and reliable for Montana residents and businesses.

Kametz said Montana’s economy depends on “access to affordable and reliable electricity service,” and argued that existing transmission constraints prevent new generation from reaching consumers and are causing high costs that risk driving employers out of the state.

Supporters who testified in favor of HJ 15 included labor, utilities, environmental groups and economic development representatives. Jay Reardon of the Montana State Building Construction Trades Council said, “Electrical transmission is critical to the state,” and urged favorable action. Jan Rousc of Northwestern Energy told the committee the company supports exploring transmission capacity to lower customer costs and to preserve Montana’s role as an energy exporter. Nick Fitzmaurice, energy transition engineer at the Montana Environmental Information Center, said transmission constraints “inhibit the ability to tap into some of the energy resources available to us in the state.”

Speakers pressed two categories of needs: new high‑capacity lines to carry additional wind and other generation, and upgrades to existing lines to improve reliability and maintenance access. Al Ekblad of Operating Engineers Local 400 said improvements to existing infrastructure “should be part of the conversation.” A lineman who identified himself as Mr. Schuman described reconductoring and maintenance practices used in other states to increase capacity without entirely replacing routes.

Randy Pinocchio, Public Service Commissioner District 1, offered technical and safety suggestions including use of newer conductor technology. Pinocchio recommended considering carbon‑fiber core conductors, saying they are stronger than steel and “would reduce fire risk by more than half.” He also pointed to national studies showing interregional transmission benefits and offered to supply the committee with reports referenced during testimony.

Regional economic development testimony noted that transmission limits are already affecting private investment decisions. Brett Downey said his region can serve limited projects today but is losing competitiveness for large manufacturing operations because of anticipated future power needs. Derek Goldman of the Northwest Energy Coalition and other national/regional advocates urged the committee to pass the resolution to signal state interest in attracting transmission investment.

There were no opponents on record during the hearing and no formal vote on the resolution during the session. Kametz closed by thanking the committee and saying the hearing had achieved its goal of beginning a broader conversation about transmission capacity.

The hearing record shows broad, cross‑sector support for examining permitting, technical standards and possible regulatory steps to attract transmission investment; no statutory changes were voted on at this session and the committee did not take final action on HJ 15.","Lawmakers heard bipartisan testimony supporting House Joint Resolution 15 calling for increased electric transmission capacity to lower costs, enable new generation and reduce reliability risks; industry groups, labor and regulators urged action and described technical and permitting hurdles.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6325810,"Senate committee hears resolution urging Congress to address U.S. debt and deficit",1311,3013000,4324000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2331072-d175139bce68b4630da31503be0ff0ef&start=3013&end=4324","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2331072-d175139bce68b4630da31503be0ff0ef/thumbnail_3013000.jpg","/articles/6325810/Montana/Senate-committee-hears-resolution-urging-Congress-to-address-US-debt-and-deficit","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6325810-ab43a8c499ca93c88b5e22d195338c2f/orig.mp4?Expires=1776725022&Signature=gpuulVn1iatJh0FHySBkIkJZlc3Dbnlf3VSsCp0rKXOqw-NLqLTrnniUOXwzYCxZ~28Ievy0MbEsPAvMuXdRp2ZAU2kOY4ScjWWC8jaT3VbrKBQF69~poTNoHTHJGX5I9iqZY6tmdkj2LRmiZN-IxC9l74eOKJWYWxRhcME3kqOUYwTpBo3L-i~RIxizYGMoXRJUcvIRo7D6MLRq2t6x-~Qn19aIMbbO8xZpaMuKrjGCSoTHHtIt~KUQcocVi-erts5c-iv6EvVI0F9F5~gh~aYJENTKDzRV8mcV9P3lJDxc2Blc2ayGjIdAIMDSebMrEtBsST8ymRmk84u4wCKhsw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Senator Tom McGilvray opened a committee hearing on Senate Joint Resolution 9, which would be sent to Montana’s congressional delegation, state governors and legislative leaders and asks federal officials to take steps to address the national debt and rising debt service.

McGilvray framed the resolution as a bipartisan appeal to federal leaders. He cited figures for national debt and annual deficits and warned that rising debt service could crowd out other priorities. McGilvray said the U.S. debt‑to‑GDP ratio and growing interest costs create a trajectory that, in his view, threatens economic stability and harms lower‑income households most.

Online and in‑room proponents supported the resolution. One proponent, who identified himself as Pence, told the committee “the national debt is about 37,000,000,000,000,” called the trend “immoral,” and urged action to pursue a balanced budget. Dan McLean, another proponent from Billings, said the debt service trajectory is “leading our country to the eventuality of fiscal collapse” and urged the committee to support the resolution.

McGilvray described the resolution as a simple memorializing measure (not an Article V application) intended to send a message to federal and state leaders. He repeatedly framed the issue as a long‑term fiscal problem affecting future generations and argued that unchecked debt service risks inflationary outcomes that would disproportionately hurt lower‑income households.

Committee members asked questions but the hearing did not include any formal committee vote on the resolution. McGilvray closed by reiterating the resolution’s intent to notify federal leaders and urging continued attention to the issue.","Senate Joint Resolution 9, sponsored by Sen. Tom McGilvray, asks Montana’s congressional delegation, governors and legislative leaders to act on the federal debt; the sponsor described high national debt and debt‑service concerns and proponents urged the Legislature to send a ‘stern message’ to Washington.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Senate hears privacy bill expanding protections for DNA and emerging 'neurodata'; sponsor seeks refinements

Montana lawmakers hear bipartisan push to expand electric transmission capacity

Senate committee hears resolution urging Congress to address U.S. debt and deficit