The 64th Montana House of Representatives finished day 53 of the 90 day session on March 14. Some bills of interest to the Flathead Valley that have been heard in the House are HB 156, HB 478, HB 344, and HB 297.

HB 156 would revise tax laws related to pollution control equipment. Often government regulations require this equipment and then tax it. HB 156 exempts pollution control and carbon sequestration equipment placed in service after Jan. 1, 2014, from property tax.

This bill passed second reading with an 83 to 17 vote and is referred to the Appropriations Committee for their approval.

HB 478 will implement changes in Montana food retail sales. It establishes cottage food operations that are exempt from licensure and routine facility inspections. It will be a benefit to those that sell products at farmers’ markets. HB 478 passed the House with an 87 to 12 vote.

HB 344 will prohibit the use of a license plate scanner by the state or local government. These devices — usually cameras — are used to determine ownership, mileage, route traveled, location, or identity. HB 344 would make some exemptions to the prohibition and makes that information private. It passed the House with a 56 to 44 vote.

HB 297 will prohibit the use of a wireless communication device to write, send or read written communication while a person is operating a motor vehicle. It passed the House with a 53 to 46 vote.

Bills that have passed the House are now in the Senate. You can contact your Senator with your views on these bills and others by going to www.leg.mt.gov.

— Rep. Keith Regier, R-Kalispell