Montana House Energy committee tables two measures, advances solar consumer-protection and broadband bonding; DC statehood resolution tabled

The Montana House Energy Committee met to consider a docket of energy and broadband measures, taking action on multiple bills and two joint resolutions.

In the meeting the committee tabled House Bill 695 after a motion to table passed by voice vote, rejected a do-pass motion on House Bill 811 on roll call and then tabled it, approved House Bill 760 (a solar consumer-protection bill) by voice vote, advanced House Bill 650 (broadband bonding language) to the House floor, tabled House Joint Resolution 18 (support for Washington, D.C., statehood), and passed House Joint Resolution 17 (a resolution urging permitting and regulatory changes tied to energy/national-security arguments). The committee also took a reconsideration and passed House Bill 404 to the floor.

Why it matters: several of the measures affect implementation of energy and broadband policy in Montana — HB 760 would add a short cancellation right for solar buyers, HB 650 revises bonding eligibility for broadband projects and references the Connect MT criteria, and HJ 17 signals the committee—s stance on federal permitting and environmental review in the context of energy policy. These actions move several items to the House floor and table others for possible later action.

Key outcomes and short notes

- HB 695 — Motion to table carried by voice vote; committee reported a tabling motion with 14 ayes. The hearing on HB 695 was closed and the EA (executive action) ended with the bill tabled.

- HB 811 — The committee heard discussion about whether utilities and ratepayers should cover transmission and fixed costs for distributed generation;…