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Bill to create Montana digital innovation task force draws support and questions about membership
Summary
Sen. Gail Amers proposed SB 330 to form a task force of officials, legislators and industry experts to study blockchain and digital-asset policy between sessions; bankers and securities officials backed the idea while members pressed for clearer legislative balance and conflict-of-interest safeguards.
Senator Gail Amers opened the SB 330 hearing by arguing the two-year legislative cycle leaves Montana at risk of falling behind in fast-moving fields such as blockchain and digital assets. She proposed a task force composed of state officials, lawmakers and industry experts to study policy in the interim and prepare bipartisan legislation for the 2027 session.
"This task force made up of political actors, industry experts, can come together during the off season and establish how Montana can continue to lead in digital assets," Amers said, framing the measure as a research and stakeholder-engagement vehicle.
Sam Sill of the Montana Bankers Association and Frank Cote representing the Commissioner of Securities and Insurance testified in favor, urging a "due pass" so Montana can prepare regulatory frameworks that balance innovation and consumer protection. Eric Peterson of Satoshi Action Fund testified online that other states task forces produced forward-looking legislation and that Montana could gain a first-mover advantage.
Committee members asked about potential conflicts and the task forces composition. Rep. Joy, Rep. Mitchell and Rep. Griffin voiced concerns that the draft gave industry members a dominant role and suggested adding more legislators or guardrails to prevent self-regulation by industry participants. Sponsor Amers said she was open to amendments to improve legislative representation and oversight.
The sponsor closed by noting the task force model has worked in other states and asked for committee support; the hearing concluded with no committee vote recorded during the session.
