Senate approves creation of Montana Blockchain and Digital Innovation Task Force (SB 330)

The Senate Energy and Telecommunications Committee voted to advance Senate Bill 330, which would create the Montana Blockchain and Digital Innovation Task Force to study and prepare policy recommendations on digital assets, blockchain and related technologies during the legislative interim.

Sponsor Sen. Greg Lammers said Montana has already attracted blockchain and digital asset activity and that the two‑year legislative cycle can be too slow to keep pace with rapid technological change. "This task force, made up of ... industry experts, can come together during the off season and establish how Montana can continue to lead in digital assets," Lammers said, adding the panel would produce vetted, bipartisan ideas for the 2027 session.

Proponents included Frank Cote, representing the Commissioner of Securities and Insurance; Sam Sill of the Montana Bankers Association; and Kevin Gilbertson of the Department of Administration. Cote passed out notice of an informal public hearing from the commissioner’s office and said the regulator wants Montana to be "a leader in this arena." Sam Sill said the task force should balance innovation with consumer protection and coordinate with federal law. Kevin Gilbertson, the state's chief information officer, told the committee the Department of Administration "would love to be a part of this" and offered to suggest additional participants.

Committee members discussed membership and compensation. Senator Usher asked for clarity about whether legislators appointed to the panel would receive per‑diem or mileage; the committee adopted a conceptual amendment clarifying that legislative members would be compensated and receive travel expenses as provided in statute (page 2, line 26 language added during the hearing). Senator Galt requested adding an agriculture representative to reflect potential farm use cases; the sponsor agreed the task force could include agricultural representation among the at‑large seats.

Why it matters: Supporters said a permanent interim task force would let Montana engage national experts, refine proposals off‑session and position the state for responsible innovation while attending to consumer protection and regulatory alignment with federal standards.

What’s next: The committee moved SB 330 with the conceptual amendment; the bill will proceed to the full Senate for further consideration.