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Senate Business and Labor advances towing, licensing and professional bills; historic gambling measure fails
Summary
In executive action the committee approved do‑pass on SB109 (adding physical therapists as treating providers) and SB166 (CPA education changes), unanimously passed SB113 (towing and storage lien exemptions), concurred in HB78 (pet insurance), and after a roll call defeated then tabled SB179 (historic gambling exemptions).
After hearings the Senate Business and Labor Committee moved into executive action and advanced multiple measures.
SB 109: The committee approved a do‑pass motion for Senate Bill 109, which would revise the statutory definition of "treating physician" to include physical therapists for certain workers' compensation purposes. Senators who spoke in favor said physical therapists practice within their licensed scope and that worker protections can be addressed elsewhere. The measure passed out of committee by voice vote.
SB 166: Senators advanced Senate Bill 166, which revises certified public accountant education requirements and grants rulemaking authority. Members noted national trends and university efforts to expand CPA training; the committee approved SB166 by voice vote.
SB 179: Senate Bill 179, a sponsor‑led proposal to allow limited live gambling for historical reenactment events and nonprofit living‑history organizations, drew enforcement and framing concerns. Senators debated amendments to restrict real money exchange and run events more like amusements. A roll‑call vote resulted in 5 yeas and 6 nays, which failed; the committee then voted to table SB179 and put it back in committee.
SB 113: The committee extensively discussed Senate Bill 113, revising motor vehicle towing and storage lien exemptions and clarifying exempted goods and records. Lawmakers repeatedly raised concerns that tow operators not hold personal items (phones, laptops, tools) hostage while also ensuring tow operators can be paid; the chair signaled intent to pursue clarifying amendments on personal property but the committee approved SB113 on a roll call with a unanimous 'yes' and sent it to the floor.
HB 78: The committee concurred in House Bill 78 (the Montana Pet Insurance Act), which adopts model uniform rules for pet insurance disclosures and policy requirements; the committee approved concurrence by voice vote and assigned Senator Hunter as the floor sponsor.
What’s next: Several of the bills moved to the Senate floor. SB179 was tabled and may be amended and reconsidered.
Sources: Committee executive action and roll calls.
