House Business and Labor committee votes 11–9 to concur on SJ 46, a statewide agricultural and rural development study

The House Business and Labor Committee voted 11–9 to concur on Senate Joint Resolution 46, sending the Senate-authored study proposal forward after a committee executive action.

Senator Andrea Olsen, sponsor of SJ 46, described the measure as "a comprehensive agricultural rural development study" intended to "connect the dots" on issues ranging from soil health and pollinator habitat to local processing and cottage food businesses. Olsen said the study is intended to gather a statewide picture of existing efforts so lawmakers can identify where reforms, funding, or organizational changes are needed.

Patch YAWAKIE, executive director of the People's Food Sovereignty Program and a proponent, told the committee about on-the-ground tribal efforts to expand food access. YAWAKIE said his organization received $500,000 in CSKT COVID-era funding over 11 months to run a distribution program that assisted about 400 individuals and that the group processes up to 5,000 pounds of deer and elk meat per year for participants. "Please support SJ 46 with a due pass," he said.

Senator Cora Neumann, who described work by the Senate Ag Committee to coordinate with groups such as the Farm Bureau, Farmers Union, Stock Growers and the Department of Agriculture, told members the proposal would complement the recently passed Montana First Procurement bill. "Only 3% of the food that is consumed in Montana by Montanans comes from Montana producers," Neumann said, citing a statistic she said underlines the need for greater local food capacity.

Committee members asked whether the study would examine logistical and resource constraints such as transportation and water availability, and whether it aims primarily at legal reforms or directing more funding. Olsen and Neumann said the study is intended to surface both policy and funding needs and to solicit input from stakeholders, including House and Senate agriculture committees and local producers.

Following the hearing, Olsen moved that the committee concur on SJ 46. The committee took a roll-call vote; the clerk announced a final tally of 11 in favor and 9 opposed, and the motion carried. Olsen nominated Representative Carter to carry the resolution; Carter agreed to do so.

The committee closed the hearing and moved on to executive action before adjourning. Committee members used closing remarks to thank staff and emphasize bipartisan cooperation on business and labor matters.