Four bills that aim to further regulate access to abortion in Montana were endorsed by the state Senate Friday. Each bill passed mostly along party lines, with Republicans voting in favor of the proposals and Democrats voting against.

Efforts to expand who and where people can carry guns in Montana continue in the Legislature after a major policy signed into law last week allowed concealed carry of firearms in most places in the state. Lawmakers this week advanced one bill and rejected another.

The Montana House of Representatives endorsed a bill that would bar doctors from performing certain medical procedures for transgender youth.

Lawmakers on the House Business and Labor Committee heard testimony Wednesday on several bills that would change workers’ compensation, including one that would allow essential workers to receive benefits if they contract COVID-19.

Montana lawmakers are considering several bills this session that aim to regulate election practices, including one that’s nearly identical to a policy that’s currently tied up in court.

Montana lawmakers advanced three bills Tuesday requested by Gov. Greg Gianforte to reduce taxes for residents and business owners. They tabled another bill that would have broadened the state’s Earned Income Tax Credit. Gianforte and his Republican colleagues in the statehouse say the proposed tax cuts are key to carrying out the governor’s so-called Montana Comeback Plan.

Montana lawmakers are giving shorter notice for some public hearings as their work picks up speed and a deadline approaches for bills to pass through the chambers. The deadline is leading to marathon policy meetings.

Montana lawmakers have advanced a second bill aimed at protecting entities from civil liability related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Lawmakers gave initial approval to the policy, which would protect government organizations, including public school systems and private health care providers from coronavirus-related lawsuits unless they exhibit gross negligence in preventing the spread of the virus.

As of midday Friday 918 bills had been introduced and Gov. Greg Gianforte had signed three bills into law. This week we’re watching legislation on tax policy, public health and labor unions.

Bills heard this week at the Capitol seek to: limit the ability of local governments and health departments to require restrictions during a public health emergency; limit services to LGBTQ people in the name of religious freedom; make Montana a right-to-work state; declare antifa a domestic terrorist organization — even though there isn't such an organization. And after years of criticizing dark money groups, former Gov. Steve Bullock raises eyebrows by taking a position with a PAC tied to dark