Committee hears near‑unanimous support to name American rodeo Montana’s official state sport

Representative Greg Overstreet introduced House Bill 190, which would designate American rodeo as the official state sport of Montana. Overstreet told the committee that rodeo reflects Montana’s heritage and brings economic benefit to small towns.

Supporters — including the Montana American Indian Caucus, the Secretary of State’s office, the Montana Travel Association, the Fishing Outfitters Association and the Montana Chamber of Commerce — told senators they back the bill for cultural, heritage and tourism reasons. Susan Ames of the Secretary of State’s office, a former rodeo queen herself, said the sport ‘‘combines athleticism with good horsemanship, camaraderie, talent, and events that include men, women, children, and families’’ and urged senators to support the bill.

Lance Forstar and other proponents also noted tribal participation and historical connections; Forstar read a letter of support from the Montana American Indian Caucus and described rodeo’s role in Native communities. Proponents highlighted specific events such as the Wolf Point Stampede in support of the designation.

The sponsor said the bill is carried by broad support in the legislature and externally, noting the measure passed the House 99–1 and that the fiscal impact is zero. The bill lists an effective date of July 1, 2025, which the sponsor said was intended to align with the upcoming rodeo season.

Committee members asked light procedural and timing questions; there were no opponents in the hearing. Multiple senators expressed personal support for the bill and the cultural value of rodeo in Montana life.

Ending: The hearing closed after supporters finished testimony; the sponsor waived his right to close and no vote was taken during the session.