Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen’s petition to the U.S. Supreme Court (SCOTUS) for a review of a Montana Supreme Court decision concerning parental rights in abortion cases has gained significant support. Five amicus briefs were filed urging SCOTUS to reverse a decision that, according to Knudsen, puts the health and safety of children at risk Read More…
In a significant move aimed at preserving the integrity of local elections, the Montana Senate advanced House Bill 413 on Thursday, tightening voter residency requirements to ensure that only long-term residents influence county decisions. The measure, strongly supported by conservative lawmakers, seeks to maintain community values by guaranteeing that voters have a real, sustained stake Read More…
Flathead County District Court Judge Dan Wilson, who narrowly lost his 2024 bid for a seat on the Montana Supreme Court, announced Wednesday that he will run again—this time for a different seat on the state’s highest court in the 2026 election. Wilson, who was edged out by Katherine Bidegaray in a closely contested race, Read More…
A Missoula judge appointed by former Democratic Governor Steve Bullock has temporarily blocked a newly enacted law that protects women’s bathrooms and locker rooms from being accessed by biological males. District Court Judge Shane Vannatta, who openly identifies as a member of the LGBTQ community, issued a ruling Wednesday putting the law on hold just Read More…
Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen’s petition to the U.S. Supreme Court (SCOTUS) for a review of a Montana Supreme Court decision concerning parental rights in abortion cases has gained significant support. Five amicus briefs were filed urging SCOTUS to reverse a decision that, according to Knudsen, puts the health and safety of children at risk Read More…
In a significant move aimed at preserving the integrity of local elections, the Montana Senate advanced House Bill 413 on Thursday, tightening voter residency requirements to ensure that only long-term residents influence county decisions. The measure, strongly supported by conservative lawmakers, seeks to maintain community values by guaranteeing that voters have a real, sustained stake Read More…
Flathead County District Court Judge Dan Wilson, who narrowly lost his 2024 bid for a seat on the Montana Supreme Court, announced Wednesday that he will run again—this time for a different seat on the state’s highest court in the 2026 election. Wilson, who was edged out by Katherine Bidegaray in a closely contested race, Read More…
A Missoula judge appointed by former Democratic Governor Steve Bullock has temporarily blocked a newly enacted law that protects women’s bathrooms and locker rooms from being accessed by biological males. District Court Judge Shane Vannatta, who openly identifies as a member of the LGBTQ community, issued a ruling Wednesday putting the law on hold just Read More…
Former Montana Senate President Jason Ellsworth has been banned for life from the Senate floor following a bipartisan vote to censure the Hamilton Republican over a serious ethics violation tied to a no-bid government contract awarded to a close associate. In a 44–6 vote on Tuesday, the Senate approved the censure, which removes Ellsworth from Read More…
Governor Greg Gianforte, joined by Americans for Prosperity (AFP), rallied at the Montana State Capitol Friday to push for historic tax cuts aimed at providing significant relief to Montanans. The governor emphasized that his proposal offers the most conservative approach to tax reform, focusing on empowering individuals and families to keep more of their hard-earned Read More…
As National Agriculture Week comes to a close, Governor Greg Gianforte is ramping up efforts to reform Montana’s business equipment tax, emphasizing its financial strain on small businesses, farms, and ranches. Speaking at a press conference, the governor reiterated his proposal to raise the tax exemption from $1 million to $3 million, a move aimed Read More…
Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen is leading a coalition of 21 state attorneys general in urging Congress to pass the “No DeepSeek on Government Devices Act,” which would ban the use of DeepSeek, a Chinese-based artificial intelligence platform, on all government devices. In a letter sent to congressional leadership on Thursday, Attorney General Knudsen emphasized Read More…
At a press conference held at Central Plumbing, Heating, Excavation in Great Falls, Governor Greg Gianforte discussed his proposed tax cuts aimed at delivering significant property tax relief for Montana homeowners and small businesses, specifically through the Homestead Rate Cut. “Through the Homestead Rate Cut, we can provide permanent property tax relief, giving Montanans more Read More…
The Senate Ethics Committee convened its first witness testimonies on Friday as part of its investigation into Sen. Jason Ellsworth’s alleged conflict of interest. The inquiry centers on a six-figure state-funded contract Ellsworth arranged without disclosing his long-standing personal relationship with the vendor. A legislative audit in February found that he had structured the contract Read More…
Montana state Senator Ellie Boldman, a Democrat from Missoula, pleaded guilty Monday morning to a misdemeanor charge of driving under the influence after being found asleep in her running vehicle in downtown Helena early Sunday. Boldman, who had attended the Montana Democratic Party’s annual Mansfield Metcalf fundraising dinner earlier that evening, admitted in Helena Municipal Read More…
U.S. Senator Steve Daines, Senator Tim Sheehy, Congressman Ryan Zinke, introduced a bicameral bill today aimed at protecting Montana mining jobs by prohibiting the import of critical minerals from Russia. The bill, which focuses on minerals such as platinum, palladium, and copper—resources that can be mined in the U.S.—seeks to reduce American reliance on foreign Read More…
The Montana Senate has passed Senate Bill 42, a bill that would require judicial candidates at all levels – from Supreme Court justices to municipal judges – to declare a political party affiliation when running for office. Sponsored by Sen. Daniel Emrich, R-Great Falls, SB 42 passed the Senate by a 28-22 vote on Thursday, Read More…
Governor Greg Gianforte and Lieutenant Governor Kristen Juras marked a significant milestone in their administration’s ongoing efforts to streamline government regulations, celebrating the repeal or amendment of over 25% of state regulations in the last four years. Speaking on the success of the Red Tape Relief Task Force, Gov. Gianforte emphasized the state’s commitment to Read More…
Jennifer Hurst, a third-year University of Montana law student, is working within the Office of the Governor during the 2025 legislative session. “Sometimes, I have to pinch myself to make sure I’m not dreaming,” Hurst said. “I still get chills when I walk into the Capitol Building.” Hurst is working at the governor’s office as Read More…
U.S. Senator Steve Daines (R-MT) has introduced two key pieces of legislation aimed at promoting American energy independence, strengthening the nation’s energy sector, and supporting rural communities. The “Supporting Made in America Energy Act” seeks to bolster oil and gas development by requiring annual onshore lease sales in top oil-producing states, as well as offshore Read More…
Attorney General Austin Knudsen testified today before the Joint Appropriations Subcommittee on Long-Range Planning, advocating for funding to construct an indoor firing range at the Montana Law Enforcement Academy (MLEA) in Helena. The project, if approved by the Montana Legislature, would address longstanding training challenges faced by law enforcement cadets. Currently, MLEA rents space at Read More…
U.S. Senator Steve Daines (R-MT) has introduced the “Unborn Child Support Act”, a bill aimed at recognizing the humanity of unborn children and allowing expectant mothers to receive child support payments during pregnancy. “Caring for a child starts long before birth, and Montana moms need access to critical child support while they’re pregnant,” Daines said. Read More…
Governor Greg Gianforte and Grover Norquist, president of Americans for Tax Reform, held a press conference at the State Capitol today to outline Gianforte’s ambitious proposals for permanent tax relief for Montanans. The governor introduced plans to reduce the state’s income tax rate and deliver permanent property tax cuts for homeowners on their primary residences. Read More…
Governor Greg Gianforte has been named chair of the Governors Sportsmen’s Caucus (GSC), a bipartisan coalition of governors committed to protecting and advancing the interests of sportsmen and women across the United States. “It’s an honor to serve as chair of the Governors Sportsmen’s Caucus,” said Gov. Gianforte. “As we’ve demonstrated in Montana, governors have Read More…
U.S. Senator Steve Daines praised former President Donald Trump after he issued pardons for 23 pro-life protesters who had been incarcerated under President Joe Biden’s administration. In a statement released today, Daines expressed his approval of the pardons, describing them as a long-overdue act of justice. “Finally, justice is served,” Daines said. “Under President Biden’s Read More…
Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen today issued a statement congratulating President Donald J. Trump on his inauguration, emphasizing his optimism for the future under the new administration. “Today marks a new day in America,” Knudsen stated. “President Trump is the leader our country needs to restore prosperity and security after four years of the Biden Read More…
Western Montana Congressman Ryan Zinke has reintroduced a series of conservation bills aimed at protecting public lands, ensuring water levels in Flathead Lake, and preserving wildlife migration corridors. The bills, originally introduced in the 118th Congress (2023-2024), were resubmitted for consideration at the start of the 119th Congress, which began on January 3, 2025. “When Read More…
Attorney General Austin Knudsen, along with Montana Department of Justice investigators and prosecutors, testified today before the House Judiciary Committee in support of House Bill 82, a new legislative effort aimed at protecting children from sexual exploitation online. Sponsored by Representative Kathy Love, House Bill 82 proposes key changes to Montana law to better hold Read More…
On the steps of the Montana State Capitol, Governor Greg Gianforte was officially sworn in Monday for his second term as the 25th Governor of Montana. Accompanied by his wife, First Lady Susan Gianforte, the ceremony marked a historic milestone, as Gianforte became the first Republican governor to secure a second term since 1996. Chief Read More…
U.S. Senator Steve Daines has announced his committee assignments for the 119th Congress, taking on influential roles in the Senate Committees on Finance, Foreign Relations, Energy and Natural Resources, and Indian Affairs. These assignments place Daines at the center of critical policy discussions affecting Montana and the nation. “It’s an honor to serve Montanans in Read More…
Kenneth Britton “Britt” Cotter, 48, who was recently elected District Court Judge for Lake and Sanders counties, has been charged with one count of solicitation to commit criminal distribution of dangerous drugs and two counts of attempted criminal possession of dangerous drugs. The Montana Attorney General’s Office announced the charges following a months-long investigation led Read More…
Congressman Ryan Zinke announced that the Senate has passed the Expanding Public Lands Outdoor Recreation Experiences (EXPLORE) Act. The EXPLORE Act is a comprehensive, bicameral legislation package that includes Zinke’s bipartisan Gateway Communities and Recreation Enhancement Act introduced with Alaska Congresswoman Mary Peltola in May 2023. The bill passed the House in April and will Read More…
Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen is spearheading a coalition of 28 states in urging the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) to protect American firearm manufacturers from liability claims brought by the Mexican government. In a brief filed Tuesday, the coalition challenges a lower court ruling that Mexico alleges could hold U.S. gun manufacturers Read More…
Tracy Stone-Manning, a senior official in President Joe Biden’s administration who spearheaded its aggressive climate agenda, has been named the next president of The Wilderness Society, a prominent environmental organization based in Washington, D.C. Stone-Manning’s appointment will take effect in February, the group announced Tuesday. Stone-Manning’s tenure as Director of the U.S. Bureau of Land Read More…
U.S. Senator Steve Daines criticized the Biden administration’s recent decision to prohibit new coal leasing in Montana’s Powder River Basin, following the publication of the Miles City Resource Management Plan (RMP) Record of Decision. The move effectively designates 1,745,040 acres of federally managed land in the Miles City Field Office area as unavailable for coal Read More…
HELENA, Mont. – Governor Greg Gianforte yesterday afternoon visited the new Helena Food Share facility to support the organizations’ food drive ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday. “We have so much to be grateful for as Montanans,” Gov. Gianforte said. “This Thanksgiving week, I encourage Montanans to give what they can, including the gift of their Read More…
U.S. Senator Steve Daines (R-MT) announced today that three of his key legislative priorities have successfully passed the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. These bills, which focus on preserving Montana jobs, advancing quantum research, and tackling housing challenges in federal land management agencies, are poised for further legislative progress. The first bill, introduced Read More…
he Montana Department of Commerce announced today that 26 rural safety agencies will receive more than $1.4 million in grant funding to enhance emergency service capabilities in areas experiencing increased tourism. The funding, allocated through the Montana Emergency Tourism Assistance Grant Program (METAP), aims to strengthen public safety across rural communities. “Emergency services are critical Read More…
In a bipartisan effort to safeguard and improve America’s public lands, Senator Steve Daines (R-Mont.) and Senator Angus King (I-Maine), joined by Senators Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.) and Mark Warner (D-Va.), have introduced the “America the Beautiful Act.” This landmark legislation seeks to reauthorize and enhance the National Parks and Public Land Legacy Restoration Fund (LRF), Read More…
In October, the Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) installed a new permanent air quality monitor in Glasgow, providing Valley County residents with expanded access to real-time air quality data. This installation is part of a broader initiative to enhance air quality monitoring across the state. The Glasgow monitor was funded through an EPA-administered award Read More…
Montana Governor Greg Gianforte has begun accepting applications and nominations to fill a district court judge vacancy in the Seventh Judicial District, which serves Dawson, Prairie, McCone, Richland, and Wibaux Counties. The vacancy was officially announced on November 18, 2024, following a notification from the chief justice of the Montana Supreme Court. Qualified attorneys in Read More…
BOZEMAN — The Montana Board of Regents today approved Montana State University’s proposal to establish a new institute to help address the nation’s security needs through applied research, technology development and education for the next generation of leaders. The Institute for National Security Research and Education, or INSRE, will serve as a hub at MSU, Read More…
Cory Swanson has been declared the winner of the race for Montana Supreme Court Chief Justice, defeating Jerry Lynch in a closely watched contest. As of early Wednesday morning, Swanson held a lead of 54% to Lynch’s 46%, with a majority of votes now counted. Swanson, a Montana native, gained strong support in the race Read More…
The Associated Press has called the race for Montana Secretary of State in favor of incumbent Republican Christi Jacobsen. As of 8:01 a.m. Wednesday, Jacobsen leads with 62% of the vote, while Democratic challenger Jesse Mullen has secured 35%, and Libertarian candidate John Lamb trails with 3%. Jacobsen, who was first sworn into office on Read More…