A bill which would protect businesses from being held liable for COVID-19 spread has been endorsed by both legislative chambers and is now heading to Gov. Greg Gianforte’s desk for consideration.

Members of Montana’s congressional delegation are pushing-back on President Joe Biden’s decision to cancel the presidential permit for the Keystone XL Pipeline. Tuesday, Republican Sen. Steve Daines and Republican Rep. Matt Rosendale introduced legislation in the U.S. House and Senate that would authorize construction of the pipeline.

Montana lawmakers are again considering a bill that would repeal an exemption on some property taxes for tribes in Montana. The policy failed last session. Gale Decker, a commissioner for Lake County, says a 2011 law is giving tribes in Montana an unnecessary tax break.

The Montana House of Representatives has advanced a bill that aims to protect businesses from liability in COVID-19 related lawsuits. The policy is key in Gov. Greg Gianforte’s plan to remove the state’s mask mandate. Senate Bill 65 passed the House Monday on a party-line vote.

As of midday Jan. 29, 490 bills have been introduced , and there’s one bill on Gov. Greg Gianforte’s desk. This week, we’re watching bills to make tribes pay more property taxes; make interim committees partisan; and expedite court hearings for child protective cases.

Gov. Gianforte's State of the State address was a mixture of Republican canon and bipartisan proposals. Lawmakers disagree whether an immigration bill has racist intent. A handful of Republicans change their minds about a bill to limit gender-affirming health care for transgender youth. And hefty raises for executive branch department heads raise some eyebrows. Listen now on Capitol Talk with Sally Mauk, Rob Saldin and Holly Michels.

Montana Republicans are adding another bill to the slew they’re bringing this legislative session to restrict access to abortion in the state. House Bill 229 would bar plans offered through the Affordable Care Act health insurance exchange from covering abortion, except in the event of a medical emergency. It was heard and endorsed by the House Judiciary Committee Friday on a party-line vote.

Greg Gianforte gave his first State of the State address Thursday night before the 67th Montana Legislature. Gianforte continued to outline his campaign promises to cut taxes, reduce regulations and move the state forward amid the pandemic and on policy blocked under previous Democratic governors.

Montana’s U.S. Representative, Republican Matt Rosendale, will serve on two congressional committees of relevance to Montanans.

Montana lawmakers will take another crack at changing how the state collects taxes on Social Security income. A similar proposal was vetoed by Democratic Gov. Steve Bullock .