2025 Legislative Session

The legislative process begins when a bill is introduced in either the House of Representatives or the Senate. After introduction, the bill is referred to a committee based on its subject matter. Committees are where the bulk of the work takes place. The committee members — legislators with specialized knowledge in certain areas — review the bill, hold hearings, and listen to public testimony. Anyone, including members of the public, can testify in support of or opposition to a bill during these committee hearings, or serve as an informational witness.

The committee then votes on the bill, deciding whether to recommend it for passage, amend it or table it (which often leads to the bill being effectively killed). If the bill passes the committee, it moves to the floor of the House or Senate for a second reading, where the entire chamber debates it. If the bill passes the second reading, it moves to a third reading for a final vote. Once it clears one chamber, it’s transmitted to the other chamber and the process starts over. If it passes both chambers, the bill is sent to the governor.

The governor has several options: they can sign the bill into law, veto it or suggest amendments. If the governor vetoes a bill, the Legislature can override the veto with a two-thirds majority vote in both chambers. Once the bill is either signed into law or passed by an override, it is incorporated into Montana’s legal code.

Legislators
Legislators are senators and representatives who represent their constituents and have the final say on legislative decisions through their votes.

Speaker of the House & Senate President
The presiding officers of each chamber are the most powerful members.

Majority Leader
Works with the presiding officer to manage the legislative calendar, guide debate, and influence legislative activities.

Minority Leader
Leads the minority party and represents the opposition, with a future potential to become majority leader or presiding officer.

Majority & Minority Whips
Assist their caucus leaders in managing votes, especially on controversial legislation.

Committee Chairs
Control the flow of bills within their committees, deciding when and if they are considered.

Caucus Chairs
Lead party caucus meetings, helping shape party positions on issues.

Legislative Staff
Staff, both full-time and session-based, are essential for lawmaking, handling everything from bill preparation to tracking votes and maintaining order.

Nonpartisan & Partisan Staff
Nonpartisan staff assist all members, while partisan staff support party leaders in research and legislation.

Research Staff
Provide background information and analysis on bills, helping legislators make informed decisions.

Legal Staff
Draft bills and amendments, ensuring legal consistency and addressing constitutional issues.

Legislative Library & Fiscal Staff
Librarians support research needs, while fiscal staff manage budgeting, revenue projections, and appropriations.

Audit Staff
Ensure government programs are effective and accountable through audits.

Personal Staff
Assist individual legislators with constituent requests, especially in states with large populations or full-time legislatures.

Governor
Though without a vote in legislative matters, the governor plays a key role through veto power, proposing legislation, and influencing the state's agenda.

State Agencies
Governors work with state agencies that rely on the legislature for funding and program authorization.

Local Governments
Local governments, while autonomous, must stay engaged with the state legislature to ensure their interests are represented, often through associations.

Lobbyists
Lobbyists advocate for specific interests, influencing legislation by providing information to lawmakers. Successful lobbyists understand timing, personalities, and compromise, with integrity being key to their effectiveness.