As global headlines remind us of the delicate balance between crisis and resilience — whether in the face of geopolitical uncertainty abroad or natural disasters closer to home — Montanans are having their own conversations about preparedness, opportunity and responsibility. From ensuring a ready workforce to maintaining electricity in emergencies, the House this week tackled legislation that could shape Montana’s trajectory for years to come. 

One standout measure is House Bill 336, sponsored by Rep. Curtis Schomer. The bill establishes new apprenticeship programs in fields ranging from barbering to nursing and allows licensing boards to develop competency testing. The benefits of apprenticeships are clear: 86% of participants stay with their employer five years after completion and starting wages upon completion of an apprenticeship average $69,000 — well above Montana’s average salary of $57,000. With strong committee support, this bill is poised for success on the House floor. 

Another notable discussion centered on House Bill 490, sponsored by Rep. Amy Regier. The two-and-a-half-hour committee hearing — the longest of the week — highlighted the complex issue of utility company liability during wildfires. Recent disasters in Maui and California underscored the dangers of power shutoffs during emergencies, when critical systems like water pumps and electric vehicles depend on electricity. House Bill 490 seeks to strike a balance, ensuring that utility providers can ensuring access to electricity when Montanans need it most, while appropriately addressing liability concerns. 

Several hotly contested bills failed to advance over the last week. House Bill 371, which would have banned mRNA vaccines for communicable diseases, failed by a 34-66 vote. Republican proponents argued for public health protections, while opponents raised concerns about personal liberty. The revised “Sheriff’s First” bill from Rep. Lee Deming, which would have required federal agencies to enhance communications with local sheriffs when operating locally, also failed on second reading. Lastly, a proposal from Rep. Jedediah Hinkle to protect mule deer hunting during the rut stirred significant debate, with opposition and support crossing party lines. The proposal came close to clearing the House but ultimately did not have the votes. 

In House Taxation, I presented The Right Back Act (HB 483), a measure aimed at delivering approximately $50 to $60 million in property tax relief beginning in 2026. The proposal would do two things: 

First, it would use overages collected from the statewide 95 equalization mills — a cornerstone of education funding — to pay down permissive mills on county property tax bills. These include costs every community incurs, such as school bus transportation and the teacher retirement system. 

Second, it would fix the 95 mills, a structure that has remained unchanged since the 1990s, ensuring we continue to deliver on the state’s constitutional promise of a quality education for all Montana children. By being innovative, we can achieve both: providing critically needed property tax relief and funding our schools. The Right Back Act is the right solution at the right time. 

As international events highlight the need for sound policy and proactive leadership, Montana’s work in the House this week reflects a shared commitment to tackling tough issues with thoughtful solutions. The conversations may be local, but the values — resilience, opportunity and responsibility — are universal. 

Rep. Courtenay Sprunger, R-Kalispell.