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Committee hears mixed testimony on bill limiting certain farm‑vehicle liability
Summary
Lawmakers and witnesses debated House Bill 212, which would expand definitions of agricultural operations and limit non‑economic liability in certain highway incidents involving farm vehicles; opponents warned of constitutional issues and potential insurance and recovery consequences.
The Senate Highways and Transportation Committee held a hearing on House Bill 212, a proposal that would update definitions for agricultural operations and limit certain liability exposures for farmers and ranchers when agricultural vehicles use public roads.
Rep. Edward Byrne, the bill’s sponsor, told the committee the measure updates Montana Code definitions related to agricultural operations and aims to provide protections for farmers and ranchers who must move large equipment on public roads. Byrne said the bill responds to increased congestion in parts of the state — particularly the Flathead Valley — and to repeated instances where farm operators were later sued after road incidents.
Several proponents testified that the bill would protect…
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