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MVD official and registrars support cleanup bill to align vehicle-service definitions
Summary
Senate Bill 380 was described by sponsor Shelly Vance as a cleanup measure aligning definitions across Montana Code Annotated with modest fraud-prevention and electronic transaction improvements; Motor Vehicle Division staff and private registration services supported the bill and committee discussion focused on specific language conflicts and system rollout.
Senator Shelly Vance introduced Senate Bill 380 to the House Transportation Committee as a technical cleanup measure that aligns definitions and adds limited new items to driver and vehicle services, including provisions to facilitate electronic transactions. "The bill contains modifications and a few new items to driver services and vehicle services," Vance said, asking the committee to consider the changes and reserving the right to close.
Michael Walker, Vehicle Services Bureau chief for the Motor Vehicles Division, testified in support and described the bill as primarily a cleanup with some benefits for fraud prevention and administrative efficiency. Tom Jacobson of Montana Registration Services also supported the bill, saying it would increase registration efficiency for private registrars.
Committee members focused on narrow language questions. Vice Chair Baum identified specific language on page 18 regarding a 60‑day provision and asked whether removing those lines would avoid a conflict with another bill; witnesses said the new statewide system rollout may address the issue and indicated an amendment could reconcile the conflict. Senator Vance and proponent witnesses agreed the concern could be addressed.
The hearing closed with the sponsor asking the committee to pass the bill; no formal action was taken during the session.
