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69th Legislature HJ 40
- 1 - Authorized Print Version – HJ 40
ENROLLED BILL
A JOINT RESOLUTION OF THE SENATE AND THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF
MONTANA REQUESTING AN INTERIM STUDY ON TRANSFERRING RESPONSIBILITY FOR PRODUCING
FISCAL NOTES FROM THE EXECUTIVE BRANCH TO THE LEGISLATIVE BRANCH; AND REQUIRING
THAT THE FINAL RESULTS OF THE STUDY BE REPORTED TO THE 70TH LEGISLATURE.
WHEREAS, Title 5, chapter 4, part 2, governs the production of fiscal notes for legislative bills; and
WHEREAS, section 5-4-201, MCA, provides that "[a]ll bills reported out of a committee of the
legislature having an effect on the revenues, expenditures, or fiscal liability of the state or of a county or
municipality, except appropriation measures carrying specific dollar amounts, shall include a fiscal note
incorporating an estimate of such effect. Fiscal notes shall be requested by the presiding officer of either house,
who shall determine the need for the note at the time of introduction"; and
WHEREAS, section 5-4-203, MCA, provides that "[t]he budget director, in cooperation with the state or
local agencies or officials or organizations representing local agencies or officials affected by the bill, is
responsible for the preparation of the fiscal note and shall return same within 6 days"; and
WHEREAS, in several other states, the legislative fiscal analyst and staff are responsible for providing
fiscal notes on all proposed legislation.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE AND THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF
THE STATE OF MONTANA:
That the Legislative Council be requested to designate an appropriate interim committee or statutory
committee, pursuant to section 5-5-217, MCA, to study the benefits and drawbacks of transferring responsibility
for producing fiscal notes from the executive branch to the legislative branch.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Legislative Services Division may provide administrative,
69th Legislature HJ 40
- 2 - Authorized Print Version – HJ 40
ENROLLED BILL
research, and legal support. The Legislative Fiscal Division may provide additional research and fiscal analysis.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that all aspects of the study, including presentation and review
requirements, be concluded prior to September 15, 2026.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the final results of the study, including any findings, conclusions,
comments, or recommendations of the appropriate committee, be reported to the 70th Legislature.
- END -
I hereby certify that the within bill,
HJ 40, 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 JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 40
INTRODUCED BY K. SULLIVAN, K. ZOLNIKOV
A JOINT RESOLUTION OF THE SENATE AND THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF
MONTANA REQUESTING AN INTERIM STUDY ON TRANSFERRING RESPONSIBILITY FOR PRODUCING
FISCAL NOTES FROM THE EXECUTIVE BRANCH TO THE LEGISLATIVE BRANCH; AND REQUIRING THAT
THE FINAL RESULTS OF THE STUDY BE REPORTED TO THE 70TH LEGISLATURE.