Monster Day at the Montana Capitol

[Ben Lamb]

There's a ton of bills being heard today in Helena. We're coming up on transmittal, so all committees are trying to be done with their work by Tuesday or Wednesday of next week in order to get them through the floor votes. Transmittal is the time when non-revenue bills must pass through their house of origin. Non-revenue bills are just bills that don't spend money. They can reallocate funds, they can change policy and they can propose new laws so long as their is not a fiscal issue associated with them over a certain dollar amount.

This morning at 9 am, SB 442 from Mike Lang (R-Malta) would reallocate the habitat conservation dollars from the marijuana tax revenue to county roads.

This afternoon in House Appropriations, HB 442 would reallocate all funds away from the Marijuana tax revenue including all conservation spending for trails, parks, nongame species and Habitat Montana.

Senate Fish and Game is hearing 4 bills: http://laws.leg.mt.gov/legprd/LAW02...d+Game&P_ACTN_DTM=&U_ACTN_DTM=&Z_ACTION2=Find

And House FWP is hearing 7 bills: http://laws.leg.mt.gov/legprd/LAW02...+Parks&P_ACTN_DTM=&U_ACTN_DTM=&Z_ACTION2=Find

 

[Ben Lamb]

And, if you're inclined to stand in the cool air, there is a public lands rally today on the north lawn of the Capitol at noon.

 

[Nameless Range]

I’m curious if the discussion around 462 changes with Mercer‘s amendments.

 

[MTelkHuntress]

And, if you're inclined to stand in the cool air, there is a public lands rally today on the north lawn of the Capitol at noon.

It wasn't that bad actually if you dressed for it. It was awesome to see all the support.

 

[Ben Lamb]

It wasn't that bad actually if you dressed for it. It was awesome to see all the support.

Montanans know how to dress.

Thanks for always being a champion!

 

[Flatbrimmer]

I wish I would have attended! Home from work with a sick young’n. Can’t justify the hour drive with him to stand out in this cold. If it were just me I’d of been on the way at first notice. It’s very humbling to hear there was still a turnout!

 

[Jock Conyngham]

Big turnout, given the roads. The rotunda was packed.

 

[Flynarrow]

Unfortunately we are seeing the attacks on wildlife, public lands, the initiative process, the judiciary by the majority of those who we voted for. As Ron Moody, former Lewistown FWP Commissioner reminded us before his passing "95% of Legislative decisions are made on Election Day". You can't take your vote back, but you sure as hell can change who you vote for next time. Of course, we will have endured the wrath of these attacks, some of which will be irreversible.