Bill would protect right to access meetings

The 65th Legislative Assembly has finished the 56th legislative day of a 90 day session.

The Senate is hearing bills that passed the House, and the House is hearing Senate bills that passed the Senate. That is the benefit of a bicameral legislature. Another set of legislators critiquing bills to help prevent bad bills from becoming law. It also allows for another chance for amendments to improve bills.

The following are some House bills that have passed the Senate that would be of interest to the Flathead Valley.

House Bill 370 is titled “An Act Prohibiting Any Person From Being Excluded From An Open Meeting.” Current law allows only accredited press representatives access to open meetings and for only the press to photograph, transmit or record those meetings. HB 370 will change current law to allow any person the same privileges. This bill passed the Senate with a 49 to 0 vote.

House Bill 148 is titled “Revising Laws Related To Electronic Communications.” This bill would require a search warrant for disclosure of electronic communications by a provider of an electronic communications if the contents are given to a governmental entity. HB 148 passed the Senate with a 49 to 0 vote.

House Bill 276 is titled “Revising Reimbursement Conditions For Pharmacists To Allow Opting Out If Acquisition Costs Are Not Covered.” Some drugs are sold at a loss by local pharmacies because of distributor conditions. This bill will help mitigate those losses. HB 276 passed the Senate with a 44 to 6 vote.

House Bill 342 is titled “An Act Adding Agritourism To The List Of Montana Recreational Activities In Which Participants Assume The Liability For The Inherent Risks Of Those Activities.” The title explains the bill. “City slicker” events on farms and ranches like trail drives and working dude ranches would benefit from this bill. HB 342 passed the Senate with a 43 to 6 vote.

These bills are on their way to the governor for his signature. They can be viewed in their entirety at leg.mt.gov.

Republican Keith Regier represents Senate District 3.