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Committee hears HB 604 to ban local guaranteed‑income programs; debate centers on local experience and evidence
Summary
Sponsor said HB 604 would prevent local governments from running guaranteed‑income programs, with proponents arguing the programs reduce work incentives. Supporters from advocacy groups testified; committee members questioned whether the problem exists in Montana and whether the bill would affect private pilot programs.
Representative Braxton Mitchell told the committee House Bill 604 would prohibit cities and counties from establishing guaranteed‑income (universal basic income) programs using public funds, and would give Montana’s Attorney General authority to stop local governments that attempt to implement such programs. Mitchell framed the bill as protecting taxpayer dollars and the value of work.
Proponents included representatives of FGA Action and visiting fellows who argued guaranteed‑income pilots reduce workforce participation and produce poor outcomes across several metrics. Tim Pugliese cited national studies and anecdotes, saying programs led to reduced work hours, lower incomes and internal program spend patterns that did not prioritize housing or health care.
Committee members pressed for local examples in Montana. Sponsors and proponents acknowledged that state‑level or private pilots had been attempted but that no widespread municipal guaranteed‑income programs currently operate in Montana; they reiterated the bill targets publicly funded programs. Questions centered on whether the map in the sponsor’s handout overstated existing local activity and whether private nonprofit pilots would be impacted (sponsor said they would not). The committee closed the hearing without an on‑the‑spot vote and directed staff to capture additional information requested by members.
