House Bill 66 would update references in Montana law to adopt the most current applicable federal military laws and regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice.

The bill’s sponsor, Representative Pete Elverum, told the House State Administration Committee the measure is a routine change requested by the Department of Military Affairs. "HB 66 seeks to make a couple updates … adjusting the reference on each of those lines from 2023 to 2025," Elverum said during his opening remarks.

Major General J. Peter Hronek, the adjutant general and director of the Montana National Guard and Department of Military Affairs, testified in support. Hronek told the committee the statute (10-1-104, MCA) already limits adoption to federal laws consistent with the Montana Constitution and state law and that the change preserves continuity for personnel who may serve under state and federal authority. "Adoption of the Uniform Code of Military Justice as a state law is beneficial because it provides a separate military justice system that can respond to military-specific crimes," Hronek said.

Other proponents included Lieutenant Colonel Todd Wayne from the Guard’s legal staff, and veterans' organization representatives: Roger Hagan and Mike Talia each spoke in favor, citing personnel readiness, clarity for service members and longstanding practice of bringing this update every session. Hagan described how regular UCMJ updates help enlisted personnel understand expectations; Talia represented the American Legion and Guard associations and urged a do-pass recommendation.

No opponents offered testimony; committee members asked no substantive follow-up questions and the sponsor closed by reiterating the bill’s routine nature.

If enacted, HB 66 would change the effective adoption date language in two parts of 10-1-104, MCA, so the state statute references the then-current federal military laws and the UCMJ. The bill does not create new substantive military policy; proponents described it as recurring housekeeping to preserve alignment between state and federal military standards.

Closing: The committee concluded the hearing on HB 66 after proponents' and informational comments and without further questions.