Bill > HJ38

This bill requests the Legislative Council to designate an interim committee to conduct a comprehensive review of public participation in Montana's legislative process. The study aims to examine challenges and successes with the Legislature's new website and bill tracking system, including comparing functionality and accessibility between old and new websites. The committee will assess methods for managing public comments and messages to legislators, review best practices from other legislative bodies, and analyze comment tracking systems. Additionally, the study will identify ways to improve public access, involvement, and understanding of the legislative process, such as reviewing committee testimony procedures and identifying discrepancies in various legislative tools. A key focus will be evaluating how to reduce participation barriers for Montanans with disabilities. The bill requires the committee to solicit wide-ranging feedback from stakeholders, including legislators, staff, lobbyists, and disability rights advocates. The study must be completed by September 15, 2026, with final results and recommendations to be reported to the 70th Legislature, with the ultimate goal of enhancing public engagement and accessibility in Montana's legislative proceedings.

Government Affairs

https://bills.legmt.gov/#/laws/bill/2/LC4369