[{"_1":2,"_112":-5,"_113":-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",[32,76,88,100],{"_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",6634571,"mediaKeyId","2663821-c70e30694c7d413e94f72a9014f5321c","parentId",2663821,"title","Sponsor proposes moving transmission line certificate reviews from DEQ to PSC; proponents and agencies flag cleanup and amendment needs","audioSeconds",266,"startMs",3010000,"endMs",3276000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2663821-c70e30694c7d413e94f72a9014f5321c&start=3010&end=3276","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2663821-c70e30694c7d413e94f72a9014f5321c/thumbnail_3010000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6634571/Montana/Sponsor-proposes-moving-transmission-line-certificate-reviews-from-DEQ-to-PSC-proponents-and-agencies-flag-cleanup-and-amendment-needs","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6634571-12d6746a90a60b790e6056ab7f4e7f8b/orig.mp4?Expires=1771509063&Signature=MIUvlwNg--otjLEWxHfPhf9aZG7kUMhLut2vaoo0S-fpbizipscYxLJzouhHdTv9vQsG7oCpXM0xa2XX5--3g53ASVugp0pLiMTrwrjS1Zl1wR3cJ2eSdzpeOgrDXjxrCFi5jzRAWadRtwMxqjHxXG6veaqZXWtPo3uDWay2gCTXnRxbuWWPt24ZW23RKQFUQ-SjeYI~LtXUZlPYg7GkWc7t8gaVX6BtvoqvHb68TytW75Zq6f1Jeuah8HvMNomDfD14ju3yPKEKSnXPON0bMYaDn8ShC59SToNjxgsSHb3hvJvIqEG03XsYEl9gNKNKoFScUN8G7Yy4B9R5vsnwYQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Montana Legislature","date","2025-03-17T00:00:00Z","article","Senator Daniel Zolnicott opened the hearing on Senate Bill 301, which would shift review authority for certain advanced transmission projects to the Public Service Commission (PSC) and create a preapproval role for the commission.

Zolnicott said the bill aims to give the PSC – which regulates utilities and understands transmission economics – the authority to issue a certificate of public convenience and necessity (CPCN) for advanced transmission projects rather than DEQ. “The main point of that is if it's a billion dollars of transmission, even if you get that certificate, that's going to be unaffordable to rate payers. So we got to make sure the PSC has their ability to say yes or no,” the sponsor told the committee.

NorthWestern Energy’s director of government affairs testified in support and said the company would propose a few non‑substantial amendments. State Department of Environmental Quality Director Sonya Nowakowski and a PSC external‑affairs coordinator attended as informational witnesses to answer questions. The PSC and DEQ representatives did not offer opposition in the transcript but raised issues to be addressed through amendment.

Committee questions focused on whether the sponsor would work with stakeholders on cleanup amendments and whether the bill’s language duplicated existing statutory sections. The sponsor said he planned to run proposed cleanup amendments by the interested parties and asked the committee to hold the bill for a few days to allow that work.

The sponsor characterized the measure as a product of negotiation and said he wanted the bill to be unanimous and fully supported; he also noted that if contentious language were added later in the process, the bill might die in the House. No committee vote appears in the hearing transcript.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Senate Finance and Claims - Mar 17, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Senator Daniel Zolnicott opened the hearing on Senate Bill 301, which would shift review authority for certain advanced transmission projects to the Public Service Commission and create a preapproval role.","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},6634575,"Committee hears bill to define tribal consultation, agencies debate scope and fiscal impacts",1440,1566000,3006000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2663821-c70e30694c7d413e94f72a9014f5321c&start=1566&end=3006","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2663821-c70e30694c7d413e94f72a9014f5321c/thumbnail_1566000.jpg","/articles/6634575/Montana/Committee-hears-bill-to-define-tribal-consultation-agencies-debate-scope-and-fiscal-impacts","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6634575-5ffcde3ae5711532c79f2f85ad597b98/orig.mp4?Expires=1771509063&Signature=NOEn6nULd7hh70MeuPCrRs4mhJqdWcT6Yn8GMi1rk~D~J8JmBkZP5XQsREyERr2wMYl4Y-xTLhRjNJgqIbm3XeWWR6KqT~zh06cjqIQjSAGPB2XTdGX~u9-8FIekn3FBgB9slg1azwIM0OiETbAWDUPsbfXQhEPB4TGKhSxPDeX1BGOBmZeQLP8FbGwFTttNFQxapBbl0UMee7j0MgK95ZBqSu4rJXgfvtyRkOD4fWmhFeQ-0SGkzVrBiQOcpw5ot6vEVFXIJ6lAj8P~36EJwa5oeuSXxnhBwtwWpsLPDMhuJ2rIFT7NMYuT9rCw6wBo5kWK65PJgdCMFdYNTsAtrA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Senator Susan Webber opened the committee hearing on Senate Bill 379 by describing the measure as a statutory definition of tribal consultation and guidelines for tribal liaisons.

Webber said the bill “finally” defines what tribal consultation is and provides guidelines rather than requiring new hires. Multiple tribal representatives testified in support, urging a uniform definition to improve government‑to‑government engagement. Patrick Yawake, representing Blackfeet, Fort Belknap and the Chippewa Cree tribes, told the committee the bill provides “policy guidelines for departments and agencies to utilize to work towards proper state tribal consultation” and said the fiscal note should not be attached because departments already perform consultation in practice.

Several state agencies offered informational testimony. Molly Kruckenberg, director of the Montana Historical Society, and Sean Thomas, a division administrator at the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC), were present to answer questions about potential fiscal impacts. Thomas explained DNRC’s fiscal note, saying DNRC does not have a single designated liaison position at the director level and that fully implementing the broader statutory definition would be “bigger and broader” than current field‑level practices and could require additional resources. The Department of Labor and Industry told the committee it already has a two‑person tribal consultation team and does not anticipate a fiscal impact.

Committee members pressed the sponsor and tribal representatives on whether the bill would impose new staffing or travel requirements. Webber and tribal witnesses said the bill is intended as guidance and to produce a consistent definition across state government, not to impose redundant staffing mandates. Patrick Yawake emphasized the bill “is not putting any financial burden on any department.”

Senators and agency representatives debated a technical phrase in the draft that cites 2‑15‑1401 and uses the phrase “when feasible.” Senator Flowers asked whether that language creates ambiguity about what is required; the sponsor responded it is not an attempt to “push ourselves on anybody” but to ensure agencies can talk with tribes. DNRC reiterated that its fiscal note reflected full implementation obligations under the bill’s broader language.

Webber closed by saying the bill aims to make state and federal consultation align and to put a consistent definition in statute so “we could all work on the same page.” The hearing record shows discussion between the sponsor, tribal representatives, and agency staff but no committee vote recorded in the transcript.","Senate Bill 379 would put a statutory definition and guidance for tribal consultation and describe liaison duties. Sponsors and tribal representatives said it provides common guidance; some agencies raised fiscal‑note concerns about implementation scale.",{"_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},6634580,"Senate committee hears $300,000 one‑time request for veteran suicide prevention from Tobacco Trust interest fund",1335,230000,1565000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2663821-c70e30694c7d413e94f72a9014f5321c&start=230&end=1565","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2663821-c70e30694c7d413e94f72a9014f5321c/thumbnail_230000.jpg","/articles/6634580/Montana/Senate-committee-hears-300000-onetime-request-for-veteran-suicide-prevention-from-Tobacco-Trust-interest-fund","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6634580-712c8a2f1fd67d0f7aa30e49f1cf5888/orig.mp4?Expires=1771509063&Signature=VhCWWHEtUITlfrIKOdEcqIJcfoplcw4ykIRjqkGoxLCKLFCSEd~rqFuOJJVBHWRtdLt3aMxMS9miTj1fLD9fvTSHt1O0PGHwCnmLTA5TrRKptdZcl3VcERacQ0vISBzQ-epvULi8sG6OgBf-0pzrMuOrMU8vmcNS-~pQzqwrk3Ws~g28ANHpfmau6FGPpgU9ZvwA2Kf8s4umSdrPeGu87ffHMVmWgf-6qceqPsNeojh-btFMZVtuovRrAM2s~5W6McOI57J8tAmOmmr9rvXZrBJX2HCqAX99vX6d7Pbdv4ZaRZXSFa-6UaD7dlyp5p3xGbYIjLZpG2OhNA1utQbIhw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Senator Mike Yakawich, sponsor of Senate Bill 95, told the Senate Finance and Claims Committee that the bill requests a one‑time allocation of $300,000 spread over two years to fund veteran suicide‑prevention programs.

The money would come from the Tobacco Trust interest fund. “This will be taken, with your permission, of course, through the Tobacco Trust interest fund,” Yakawich said, and he added an estimate that the fund currently generates about $7 million in interest.

The bill would route funds through the Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) and involve partnerships with the Montana Veterans Affairs Division and service organizations. Carl Roston, identified in committee as an office official who implements grant programs, told the committee the program would use an RFP with “metrics involved” so successful projects could report measurable outcomes. Roston said approved proposals would report on measurable outcomes to permit evaluation and possible future continuation of funding.

Proponents included Brigadier General Renee Dorval, deputy director for the Department of Military Affairs; Duane Cunningham, adjutant for the Department of Montana American Legion; Kelly Ackerman, administrator for the Montana Veterans Affairs Division; Dennis Stoner of the Montana National Guard Association; and Didi Baker, executive director of Dog Tag Buddies. Patrick Yawake spoke on behalf of Blackfeet, Fort Belknap and Rocky Boy tribal communities in support.

Supporters framed the request as seed money for community‑level veteran outreach and suicide‑prevention initiatives. Duane Cunningham told the committee the sum should be judged against lives potentially saved: “$300,000 doesn't seem like that much money” when measured against saving veterans’ lives, he said. DPHHS witnesses and local public‑health coordinators described existing community work and said this targeted funding would be complementary to statewide suicide‑prevention efforts.

Committee questions focused on whether the $300,000 is a single‑cycle appropriation and where future funding would come from. Roston said the future would depend on the metrics and outcomes produced under the RFP, and that continuation funding would be considered if programs demonstrated favorable results. He also said a special‑revenue fund is commonly used for community grant programs and could be an option for follow‑up funding.

In committee exchanges, witnesses noted a recent decline in veteran suicides statewide and discussed the difficulty of attributing causation to any single program. A DPHHS‑affiliated witness said statewide veteran suicides fell from about 74 in 2022 to 56 in the prior year — a 24 percent decrease — but cautioned that many factors influence rates.

The hearing record shows proponents from state and nonprofit organizations and informational testimony from local public‑health coordinators. The bill sponsor closed by urging support for the one‑time investment and by promising a report on results.

The hearing was opened and closed on the bill; no committee action (vote or amendment) is recorded in the transcript.","Sen. Mike Yakawich opened a hearing on Senate Bill 95, a one‑time $300,000 allocation from the Tobacco Trust interest fund to support veteran‑focused suicide‑prevention programs administered through DPHHS and partner veterans' organizations.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6634567,"Committee considers bill to create doula oversight, allow Medicaid coverage for doula care",1043,3294000,4337000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2663821-c70e30694c7d413e94f72a9014f5321c&start=3294&end=4337","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2663821-c70e30694c7d413e94f72a9014f5321c/thumbnail_3294000.jpg","/articles/6634567/Montana/Committee-considers-bill-to-create-doula-oversight-allow-Medicaid-coverage-for-doula-care","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6634567-031a470b0b05bd8b2a191048fd991ff8/orig.mp4?Expires=1771509063&Signature=UE6GAeVco225Uf8lG00wUYWgXVvH1wzDFNQOWzsCMBHPseUjOsXoB7jyLqZkypkzOXzBGmjFKuMK6xcKtGGt72ciztOC~l7slvE8DKQgJ2p05b2EO3uu31vM~scdXXjGwFv95vABi8tBFeUw0W0AswqfOc3VPvPO-U7Tv-T0JghiFyHpfoXFKP8moNERxvSSMEYDQts46BFrWm~WDMDXhvukWZDoZSkTv1CC4xGtQo4HVoPH-vVxPMpOnJjUud7OF3UbTSldtJ1VHbZI9Y4-dHER11Al00k0meMI-H-ZMQQIDQRv0qO0-t~6ZZFMTOykDqbxDPmE9Lvxot93MKnZSg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Senator Cora Neumann opened the hearing on Senate Bill 319, which would create an oversight program for doulas in the Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) and allow Montana Medicaid to cover doula care without requiring private insurers to follow.

Neumann told the committee that Montana has birth‑related health issues at a rate 35 percent higher than the U.S. average and described the bill as a low‑cost intervention. She summarized a DPHHS estimate that if 6 percent of an anticipated 4,750 births access doula care in fiscal year 2027, approximately 285 Medicaid‑covered births would receive services. Based on DPHHS numbers cited in committee, the total estimated cost for FY 2027 is $4,456,000 for the covered births with a state general‑fund share of about $117,000; Neumann reported a per‑birth cost of about $413.

Proponents included Stephanie Morton, executive director of Healthy Mothers Healthy Babies and convenor of the Montana Doula Collaborative, who said the state has a growing doula workforce and that a needs analysis identified roughly 300 potential licensees and ongoing training. Morton and other supporters emphasized studies associating doula care with reductions in cesarean and preterm births and with improved postpartum mental‑health outcomes; Morton cited cost estimates for perinatal mental‑health conditions in Montana.

An opponent, Jessica Kuykendall, described herself as a children’s health advocate and said she opposed state oversight and licensing of doulas, arguing that many doulas operate as private mentors and that government oversight could be intrusive for families choosing natural births.

DPHHS provided an informational witness (the Medicaid chief financial manager) to explain fiscal assumptions. Committee members asked about provider counts, how many births doulas currently attend, FMAP treatment for services provided by federally qualified health centers and tribal providers, and outstanding technical issues related to licensure versus certification and to DLI authority. Sponsor and proponents said they were continuing to negotiate technical language with DLI and expect to resolve outstanding implementation questions.

Neumann closed by characterizing the bill as a “small investment with a very high return,” reiterating maternal‑health statistics and asking the committee to support the bill. The transcript records the hearing and discussion but no committee vote.","Senate Bill 319 would establish a doula oversight program within the Department of Labor and Industry and allow Montana Medicaid to cover doula services; sponsors and health advocates emphasized potential maternal‑health and cost‑savings benefits while an opponent raised concerns about licensure and government oversight of home births.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Sponsor proposes moving transmission line certificate reviews from DEQ to PSC; proponents and agencies flag cleanup and amendment needs

Committee hears bill to define tribal consultation, agencies debate scope and fiscal impacts

Senate committee hears $300,000 one‑time request for veteran suicide prevention from Tobacco Trust interest fund

Committee considers bill to create doula oversight, allow Medicaid coverage for doula care