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69th Legislature 2025 HB 403
- 1 - Authorized Print Version – HB 403
ENROLLED BILL
AN ACT REQUIRING THE MONTANA STATE HOSPITAL TO GRANT ACCESS TO A LEGISLATOR.
WHEREAS, the Montana State Hospital lost its federal certification from the Centers for Medicare and
Medicaid Services in 2022 due to several patient health-related and safety-related factors, including a
substantial number of deaths and falls; and
WHEREAS, many patients of Montana State Hospital live with traumatic brain injury, dementia, and
other cognitive challenges that impede their ability to advocate for themselves; and
WHEREAS, legislators are called on by their constituents to advocate for and intervene on behalf of all
Montanans, but especially those who are vulnerable.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MONTANA:
Section 1. Legislative access. (1) A legislator must have immediate, unlimited access at all times to
the Montana state hospital.
(2) A legislator seeking access to the Montana state hospital is subject to routine security and
safety procedures of the facility or program.
(3) While in the Montana state hospital, a legislator shall prioritize and respect the health, dignity,
privacy, and welfare of Montana state hospital patients.
Section 2. Codification instruction. [Section 1] is intended to be codified as an integral part of Title
53, chapter 21, part 6, and the provisions of Title 53, chapter 21, part 6, apply to [section 1].
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I hereby certify that the within bill,
HB 403, originated in the House.
___________________________________________
Chief Clerk of the House
___________________________________________
Speaker of the House
Signed this _______________________________day
of____________________________________, 2025.
___________________________________________
President of the Senate
Signed this _______________________________day
of____________________________________, 2025.
HOUSE BILL NO. 403
INTRODUCED BY D. HAWK, S. NOVAK, M. LEE, J. SECKINGER, S. FYANT, E. BUTTREY, R. MARSHALL,
D. HARVEY, S. VINTON, C. GLIMM, G. OBLANDER, F. NAVE, B. USHER, B. BARKER, J. COHENOUR, S.
HOWELL, J. KARLEN, D. LENZ, T. MCGILLVRAY, B. BEARD, S. DEMAROIS, J. LYNCH
AN ACT REQUIRING THE MONTANA STATE HOSPITAL TO GRANT ACCESS TO A LEGISLATOR.