Valley legislators hold readership roles

Montana’s 65th Legislative Assembly started on Jan. 2. Of the 150 legislators, 33 are new to the legislative process. With a 90 day session, there is a steep learning curve for those freshmen. Bill drafts are being finalized, and some committees have had hearings on legislation in the first week of the session. The Legislature has a website that provides information on bills, committees, legislators and all of the activities of the Legislature. An internet search of Montana Legislature will get you to the home page. Topics of interest and bills relating to those interests can be found, read and tracked through the legislative process. Legislator contact information can be obtained as well.

The Flathead Valley is well represented in leadership positions this session. On the Senate side is Sen. Bob Keenan, Bigfork, President Pro Tempore. Senator Mark Blasdel, Kalispell, is a Majority Whip and chairman of the taxation committee. Sen. Dee Brown, Columbia Falls, is chairperson of the state administration committee. I am chairman of the judiciary committee.

On the House side, Rep. Greg Hertz, Polson, is Speaker Pro Tempore. Rep. Randy Brodehl, Evergreen, is chairman of the appropriation’s subcommittee on the judicial branch and law enforcement and justice. Rep. Mark Noland, Bigfork, is chairman of the business and labor committee. Rep. Mike Cuffe, Eureka, is chairman of the appropriation’s subcommittee on long-range planning. Rep. Carl Glimm, West Valley, is chairman of the appropriation’s subcommittee on natural resources and transportation and Rep. Steve Lavin, Kalispell, is chairman of the transportation committee.

Keith Regier represents Senate District 3.