[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-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",[32,76,87,99,111],{"_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",6125803,"mediaKeyId","2675014-3a6b67bc78a82aaeff6ef9583c633ff5","parentId",2675014,"title","Senate endorses SR14 urging Congress to include Montanans in Radiation Exposure Compensation Act","audioSeconds",290,"startMs",2384000,"endMs",2674000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2675014-3a6b67bc78a82aaeff6ef9583c633ff5&start=2384&end=2674","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2675014-3a6b67bc78a82aaeff6ef9583c633ff5/thumbnail_2384000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6125803/Montana/Senate-endorses-SR14-urging-Congress-to-include-Montanans-in-Radiation-Exposure-Compensation-Act","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6125803-dade106e5c3d09b802a6d073605d75d5/orig.mp4?Expires=1773581317&Signature=Qel39oTeW4QY0e6vc9I6UqBmx~iNXv93cF~XwY8Cd8OKliXwS5EF5hVRL27hBXfVy8ZPXPPBtPe5st4rFYin64X3asGafTwS0RQd4OCEY-8hntLoVUTVXvYylIk0dC8870Xlejs8~xVPcSjl5HjokmWZyifd7JsnbXUc6Jd0BUVaQ420cYpLdF5TX~M4ufLJAoUW4LO8Wv~RKvUopVH3Ebl553oO8D6~3rEPTjCp2~H6WQL1YKBkXql~CFQi8RBsdMV3ZD7O~7GGdbwPKqMR8YINnSQAaGeOm-U-sgFxf5k7kx2o0R7oX6VmzQ6veXJ9j5~NGCIjPIpM8zwRvCc33g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Montana Legislature","date","2025-03-18T00:00:00Z","article","The Committee of the Whole recommended concurrence on Senate Resolution 14, a communication urging Congress to include Montanans in the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act or its renewal; the motion passed on second reading with a recorded vote of 45–5.

Sponsor Senator Olsen framed the resolution as a request to Congress to address historic downwind exposure from above-ground nuclear testing and to ensure Montana residents are included if the federal compensation program is extended. Olsen said Montana is “the number 1 downwind state” per an historical study referenced during his remarks.

Senator Fauldman asked whether the federal compensation act’s expiration would limit the resolution’s effect; Fauldman said an attorney told him the federal program expired in July 2024. Olsen responded that Congress is moving to renew and expand the program and said the resolution serves as a reminder to federal legislators to act.

Senator Cuff and others commented that cancers had occurred in local communities and that being on any renewed list would be appropriate. The clerk recorded 45 ayes and 5 nays on second reading; the committee recommended the resolution for passage.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Senate Floor Session Tuesday, Mar 18, 2025 12:59 - 14:39","oneSentenceSummary","Senate Resolution 14, urging Congress to include Montanans in the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act or its renewal, was recommended for passage and passed on second reading, 45–5; sponsors cited historical downwind exposure during nuclear testing.","taxTitle","2025 Legislature MT, Montana","taxId",77694,"location","Montana","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":42,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6125809,"Senate advances SJR12 for interim study of electric transmission capacity and economic impacts",2057000,2347000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2675014-3a6b67bc78a82aaeff6ef9583c633ff5&start=2057&end=2347","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2675014-3a6b67bc78a82aaeff6ef9583c633ff5/thumbnail_2057000.jpg","/articles/6125809/Montana/Senate-advances-SJR12-for-interim-study-of-electric-transmission-capacity-and-economic-impacts","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6125809-051fcfe8ee08e45f1b010a997a1ff6bc/orig.mp4?Expires=1773581317&Signature=HmOD6dmL5xJYzAXr5a5BiZaoMT5N4zRM7oOiYvsFH0G9Vz9FNI5ot4QYh0g2u1GRzuDOyFzbKC5XVofR0slH3txb2VwXdiEQBJLuzTK4TmQDKmorhW-VBTEAXy7SBOmFDK62DBSBiZA6mKCwmF-c9aZ~oMX6mYWm6YeUDSvSmwZ1pLH4jqp-iAq1O12XQkuUp8NbdJiJ0dFJdXPfTxVQw~peltWC-ohUZcd9Nayb-yQqYVysbFGDtQ-iqx1smBClqAcDtL9t8fYq1iPk6E7tzFngTg5YU8lpqNWfcqCPOJFIVQ4ZNZVXyLs3pJL2i5uTE7WW88eO5jORD1LFJQmdbQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Senate Joint Resolution 12, an interim study of electric transmission capacity and the economic impact of observed congestion and curtailment, was recommended for passage by the Committee of the Whole and passed on second reading, 42–8.

Sponsor Senator Hunter said the study will examine transmission capacity, interconnection concerns, large industrial loads, and potential transmission upgrades and costs. He said Montana’s transmission network is central to future renewable and industrial development and that the study would inform planning for reliable, resilient power.

Senator Pope and others said neighboring states have seen economic benefits from transmission investments that attracted large industrial energy users; Pope urged support for the study on that basis. The sponsor noted prior interim work on transmission issues forced stakeholders to engage and sometimes reach solutions without legislation.

The clerk recorded 42 ayes and 8 nays; the motion recommending the study passed. The resolution requires a final study report to the 70th Legislature.","Senate Joint Resolution 12 was recommended for passage by the Committee of the Whole to study transmission congestion and curtailment affecting Montana’s electricity users; the committee recorded 42 ayes and 8 nays on second reading.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6125814,"Senate advances SJR11 to study farmers markets and local food systems after debate over regulation",417,1626000,2043000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2675014-3a6b67bc78a82aaeff6ef9583c633ff5&start=1626&end=2043","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2675014-3a6b67bc78a82aaeff6ef9583c633ff5/thumbnail_1626000.jpg","/articles/6125814/Montana/Senate-advances-SJR11-to-study-farmers-markets-and-local-food-systems-after-debate-over-regulation","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6125814-e2d8d630a1b5f6541ec904e1f4e1ae66/orig.mp4?Expires=1773581317&Signature=h4TcWi-sLCA-MnXT9APW0o5HK379USv5K~7NkzeRHkFplzOvQOCBhxd3idnej5pj-cujy4gVyHnr9xrJl70WWV9ddc-U6yWcBPpRLuCUKOV6gLL0kqfbizDxTY~OYetxxq6hcTCEvCKoOm~aMk0ut8IOndBlBnxaQmeHCNIDzIMuIC-AL3vD-9Vz0IPkezIa8ED2n04OQOj-GCFvcjPMx8VBrNpGXWPloFrUMSzyldmMtHspZPxDprCYIvILt9F06xtbix7R4uL0Mv7dvrC~GP2zwrFqF706ZlPftr6YWlwc8z9KSL-ZqFnAklriiTg~yFB1JrGcRkyqTABVhTVCrw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Senate Joint Resolution 11, a one-year interim study on farmers markets and local food systems, was recommended for passage by the Committee of the Whole and passed on second reading with a recorded vote of 36–14.

Sponsor Senator Gillespie framed the study as an effort to review regulatory frameworks, value-added agriculture and ways to enhance farmers markets statewide. “We’re going to be looking at some regulatory frameworks surrounding these markets, how to make them even better,” he said, adding the study will report its final results to the 70th Legislature.

Opponents cautioned against additional regulation. Senator Emmerich said he opposed the study because he feared it could lead to increased regulation, fees and taxes on farmers markets, arguing Montana should preserve limited regulatory burdens. Senator Hertz said he would support the study but flagged that food statutes are complex and may need consolidation or cleanup.

A procedural question about interim-study cost drew a quick exchange: Senator Benton asked the cost of an interim study; the sponsor replied, “Probably 10,” without specifying units. The transcript does not record a formal fiscal estimate; therefore the total cost is not specified in the committee record.

The committee adopted the motion recommending the study. The clerk recorded 36 ayes and 14 nays on second reading.","Senate Joint Resolution 11, an interim-study request to analyze farmers markets and local food systems, passed second reading in the Committee of the Whole, 36–14, after debate about regulation, fees and the study’s cost and purpose.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6125820,"Senate committee endorses confirmations for two district court judges; SR6 and SR7 recommended passed",261,1355000,1616000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2675014-3a6b67bc78a82aaeff6ef9583c633ff5&start=1355&end=1616","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2675014-3a6b67bc78a82aaeff6ef9583c633ff5/thumbnail_1355000.jpg","/articles/6125820/Montana/Senate-committee-endorses-confirmations-for-two-district-court-judges-SR6-and-SR7-recommended-passed","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6125820-165ba4f945ad132d722cb304478ffcc4/orig.mp4?Expires=1773581317&Signature=Kqg-9P4eOuCe~yties6TzK-5GEwSyBShnBs-M2y6B0OgWp9w6Qcohpj1ofiptMCI6mpBfwN61R0JLipAdAMV8TXfKA7Nn8LDe7V-mc~9PebukLj0sCpqqtfaNDUHWeLwKpkiYG~Psm1mwBNzOkDYtK0Rven9C1LsO-K7O7s2cdHPuDHZihA-LbYp7ImkdQtodpAcp0P3HtFsFy6mZu-h1ghF6pd7OOm9WPVmE584sAswt0NwrU4PHY72Eyb~Iqyv8ENcqIBM17m0SUfjYOAPaFVIK0Lh~SaGEVLlW0JXrJZDMKa6SzfEGnFq3aSswJYR8RbBQ1GHlZBmnIPq4zVuuw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Senate Committee of the Whole recommended concurrence on two judicial nominations: SR 6 to confirm Judge Harada to a district court judgeship and SR 7 to confirm Scott Herring to the Seventh Judicial District Court. Both nominations were recommended for confirmation and advanced on second reading.

Senator Barry Usher presented both nominations. On SR 6, Usher outlined Judge Harada’s background, including her service as a Yellowstone County district court judge since February 2019 and her work with treatment courts and statewide advisory committees. He described Harada as “a public servant in her heart” and said the nomination came out of the committee unanimously.

On SR 7, Usher summarized Scott Herring’s legal career, noting a long private practice and varied experience across criminal law, real estate, trusts and estates, corporate work and oil and gas. Usher said Herring’s judicial philosophy is to “apply the law as established by the people, the legislature, and the Supreme Court, and not to legislate from the bench.”

There were no amendments recorded to either resolution. The clerk recorded votes as follows: SR6 — 47 ayes, 3 nays; SR7 — 49 ayes, 1 nay. Both recommendations carried in committee.

The committee proceedings included nominee biographies and sponsor remarks intended for the Senate’s consideration on confirmation votes.","The Committee of the Whole recommended concurrence for Senate Resolution 6 (Judge Harada) and Senate Resolution 7 (Scott Herring) to confirm judicial nominees to district court; SR6 passed 47–3 and SR7 passed 49–1 on second reading.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6125824,"Senate committee recommends concurrence on HB49 to strengthen enforcement against synthetic cannabinoids",265,851000,1116000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2675014-3a6b67bc78a82aaeff6ef9583c633ff5&start=851&end=1116","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2675014-3a6b67bc78a82aaeff6ef9583c633ff5/thumbnail_851000.jpg","/articles/6125824/Montana/Senate-committee-recommends-concurrence-on-HB49-to-strengthen-enforcement-against-synthetic-cannabinoids","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6125824-ee047b2c4fa860aa5a1de557985cf9f6/orig.mp4?Expires=1773581317&Signature=bnTEJXhaRVAC2~NRunWBmOqwmhYsnyEY-Dby147uctM3mPq51wbApe-WUkkklk7tU2SJgdHPgS233p21y~kKh2dnv0hZMzXFdTo88~v67uYPARzow62VwrpWUqBtwNzdYNVQnWG2wvciE5btz0gpLAQuYKq3DMBuIvFunIA3a0xxlSzoLu1NQVzs0u02N7f4EiN6uR37A3DPi030Qqbi-naDNby9Z2wr30U8MjKry7l9cNlmAyqjimCb41uUVls3-Z9~x9VcIDckQnm9wDAQ9R9MgJqE~D2b8WfUyMW1UKx-EQ0GgAxL7404c3sB6B-RHg2KU73yd9hC--4bb7XIYA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","House Bill 49, which would broaden state authority to investigate and curtail sales of synthetic cannabinoids and some hemp-derived products, was recommended for concurrence by the Senate Committee of the Whole and passed on second reading.

Senator Hertz, the bill carrier, told the committee the language “strengthens our ability for investigations on unlicensed retail businesses that are selling synthetic cannabinoids, marijuana, naturally derived hemp products.” He said the measure adds rulemaking authority for the department to define and identify synthetic products and to prohibit certain acts such as storing synthetics.

The nut graf: supporters said the bill is intended to give Montana agencies clearer authority to enforce existing restrictions after implementation of House Bill 948 in 2023 left open enforcement questions; opponents raised practical concerns about online sales and enforcement reach.

Hertz said state agencies and local law enforcement need clearer investigatory tools: “To date, DOR, the cannabis control division is the only agency who is conducting investigations and issuing cease and desist orders out there for those individuals who are not following the law and who are not licensed.” He told senators the bill also responds to language clarified by a court decision in the First Judicial District.

Senator Novak asked whether expanded rules would simply push buyers to online sellers and whether other bills will address that channel. Hertz responded that online ordering is already illegal and said additional enforcement funding measures are coming in other bills.

There was no recorded amendment. The committee motion recommending concurrence was adopted. The clerk reported the vote as 47 senators voting aye and 3 voting nay; the motion to concur on second reading carried.

The measure instructs the executive branch to adopt rules to implement the statutory changes; the bill text covers Sections 1 through 9 and references prior legislative action on synthetic cannabinoid regulation in 2023.","The Montana Senate Committee of the Whole recommended concurrence on House Bill 49, which expands investigative and enforcement authority related to synthetic cannabinoids and certain hemp-derived products; the motion passed on second reading, 47–3.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Senate endorses SR14 urging Congress to include Montanans in Radiation Exposure Compensation Act

Senate advances SJR12 for interim study of electric transmission capacity and economic impacts

Senate advances SJR11 to study farmers markets and local food systems after debate over regulation

Senate committee endorses confirmations for two district court judges; SR6 and SR7 recommended passed

Senate committee recommends concurrence on HB49 to strengthen enforcement against synthetic cannabinoids