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House energy authority bill re-referred to Appropriations after floor debate
Summary
House Bill 314, proposing a state energy authority with powers to coordinate generation and transmission planning and a proposed wholesale energy tax funding source, was re-referred to Appropriations after sponsors described its scope and members voiced support for an energy policy office.
Representative Perry’s House Bill 314, which would establish a Montana State Energy Authority with board membership, powers to coordinate generation and transmission and a proposed funding stream from a wholesale energy transaction tax, was the subject of a lengthy floor presentation and then formally re-referred to the Appropriations Committee.
Sponsor presentation: Perry said the authority is the result of 18 months of work and would "set policy, research our options, and guide Montana for generations to come," adding that Montana needs a coordinated energy policy and that the authority would track the nuclear transition and transmission projects. The bill text includes a special revenue account and a statutory appropriation tied to wholesale energy transaction tax revenue and a December 31 sunset date was noted in the draft.
Discussion and procedural action: Members voiced support for creating an energy policy office. After explanation and questions, Majority Leader Fitzpatrick moved to re-refer House Bill 314 to Appropriations; the motion was ordered without objection, sending the bill to that committee for fiscal review and potential amendment.
Next steps: Referral to Appropriations will route HB 314 to detailed fiscal review and possible amendment before further floor consideration.
