Montana’s Senate plans to resume its agenda on Monday after an initial week derailed by internal conflicts, while House lawmakers delve into significant social issues with a transgender bathroom access bill. The Senate’s session was disrupted by disagreements over committee assignments, halting hearings on key bills through Friday. Thirty-three hearings, covering critical topics like Medicaid expansion and limits on Montana courts, are set for week two.
Recent legislative sessions in Montana have been characterized by “culture war” debates, including when a trans lawmaker was barred in 2023 for opposing a gender-affirming care ban. This lawmaker now serves on the House Judiciary Committee considering the new bathroom bill.
While the Senate was at a standstill, House committees proceeded with 83 bill hearings. The Senate dispute, concerning a new committee for governor’s office issues, ended with a Thursday vote against dissolving the contentious committee. The eight members opposed their roles in the Executive Branch Review Committee, claiming it lacked a clear mission and encroached on duties of other committees.
In collaboration with the Democratic minority and four Republicans, the committee members realigned themselves by amending Senate rules. Nine dissenting Republicans stated this move increased GOP representation on pivotal committees. “Under our proposed rules, Republicans will not only continue to control all committees but will strengthen Republican representation,” remarked Sen. Joshua Kassmier.
The Senate will proceed with revised rules, adding new voting members to committees. Meanwhile, the House Judiciary Committee reviewed House Bill 121, a proposal to prevent transgender individuals from using restrooms that match their gender identity. Drawing national interest, this marks the first state-level transgender bathroom ban proposed for 2025. A three-hour session featured arguments about the practicalities and rationale for screening restroom users by birth-assigned sex.
Bill supporters argue it protects cisgender women, while opponents claim it endangers transgender people. Nicole Gomez of Catalyst criticized the bill, saying, “Trans people are people and deserve safety, dignity, and respect… This is a dangerous proposed policy backed by junk science.” Bill sponsor Rep. Kerri Seekins-Crowe defended the proposal, citing women’s safety, supported by groups like the Montana Family Foundation and the Alliance Defending Freedom.
Concerns about enforcement costs and lawsuits from local governments and public employee unions have been raised. The bill may undergo revisions before any vote by House Judiciary lawmakers.
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