Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Rodeo State Sport topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
House committee advances bill to name rodeo the official sport of Montana after hours of personal testimony
Summary
Representative Greg Overstreet’s House Bill 190 to designate rodeo as Montana’s official state sport drew broad testimony from rodeo participants, Native communities, tourism and business groups. Committee voted in executive action to pass the bill by voice vote.
Representative Greg Overstreet opened House Bill 190, asking the committee to recognize rodeo as the state sport. "Nothing says Montana better than rodeo," Overstreet said, and he told the committee proponents would include many people with long personal ties to the sport.
The hearing featured more than a dozen proponents who described rodeo’s cultural, economic and youth-development roles. Elena Hutchings, identified in testimony as Little Miss Rodeo Universe, described rodeo-related charity work and told the committee how her rodeo activities support children in hospitals. "I help kids and give them hope," Hutchings said.
Witnesses included rodeo producers, professional entertainers, high school and tribal competitors and coaches. Several speakers — including Ray Champ, an enrolled Crow tribal member and rodeo announcer, and Talvin and Jimmy Champ, a student competitor and a rodeo coach from Browning High School — described rodeo as a multigenerational activity that reinforces responsibility, teamwork and community ties. Tourism and business witnesses told the committee rodeos bring visitors and spending to rural towns; the Montana Travel Association and the Montana Lodging and Hospitality Association both supported the bill.
After extensive public testimony the committee moved to executive action. A motion that House Bill 190 "do pass" carried on a voice vote; the transcript records the chair saying "The ayes have it. House Bill 190 passes committee and goes on to the House floor." A recorded roll call count was not made in the transcript.
Proponents urged the Legislature to use the designation to promote youth participation and local economic benefits; no opponents or informational witnesses were recorded in the hearing.
