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Montana committee hears bill to limit liability for agricultural vehicles amid safety, constitutional debate
Summary
Lawmakers heard testimony on HB212, which would cap liability for agricultural vehicles (proposed limits: $750,000 per claim, $1.5 million per occurrence). Farmers described lawsuits after lawful road incidents; trial lawyers warned the caps could infringe Montana’s constitutional right to court access.
Representative Edward Byrne, sponsor of House Bill 212, told the House Transportation Committee on Thursday that the bill is meant to protect Montana farmers and ranchers who operate slow-moving agricultural equipment on public roads. Byrne said the measure adopts existing Department of Transportation limited-liability figures — $750,000 per claim and $1.5 million per occurrence — and broadens the definition of “agricultural operations” to include employees and service providers involved from preparation to transport.
Nicole Rolfe of the Montana Farm Bureau Federation urged support, saying farmers face growing traffic and liability risks as rural roads become busier. “Liability is something that's very concerning to farmers and…
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