A timely (and hopefully entertaining) update (and unsolicited perspectives) provided by Shantil Siaperas–MACo Communications Director & Editor of MACo’s Legislative Update–to keep you apprised of what’s happening on the Hill during the 2023 Legislative Session.
An Update & Unsolicited Perspectives Provided by Shantil Siaperas, MACo Communications Director & Editor of MACo’s Legislative Update
MACo's Legislative Update
Volume 27, Issue 8
Published February 26, 2023
Published February 26, 2023
Volume 27, Issue 8
(If you’re not interested in the meandering thoughts of a rambling lobbyist and just want to checkout MACo’s Legislative Update, I sympathize. Click the button below for instant access to our first issue of the session.)
Continue Reading the Unsolicited Perspectives and Meandering Thoughts of a Rambling Lobbyist…
The first of its kind…this session…
Well, hey there MACo Folks!
This week’s update will be BRIEF. I know. I can hear the disappointment in your elongated sighs. And I’m sorry. But alas, here we are. Why? Because we’re rapidly approaching one of the most significant deadlines of the Legislative Session: General Bill Transmittal. (Cue dramatic music.)
What is Transmittal?
“Transmittal” is the day all bills (of a certain type) must pass to the other chamber. There are several different “types” of bills with transmittal deadlines, namely appropriation bills, revenue bills, study bills, and general bills. General bills are by far the largest group—they focus primarily on policy and have no money attached to them.
When is this “General Bill Transmittal?”
General Bill Transmittal is Friday, March 3rd, i.e., the official half-way point of the legislative session. Legislative Day 45.
What can we expect?
We expect that you can expect two more days of fast and furious bill hearings (Monday and Tuesday) followed by three days of full-day floor sessions, beginning Wednesday. You’ll also likely see a few brief recesses for the money committees to convene as select bills are rereferred after passing their second readings.
What happens afterwards?
A break. Not a mental break—although that would be fitting and completely understandable—but a physical break. It’s a heavenly five(ish) days when all legislators, lobbyists, advocates, and legislative staff rest and make a concerted effort to recover. We get our head hairs clipped, nails nipped, dry cleaning dry-cleaned, coffee mugs de-scaled, and vehicles de-filed (meaning the excess files floating around under and around seats and trunks are removed)…
And then?
The following week—Thursday, March 9th—everyone comes back to Hel…ena (sorry had to clear my throat), and we all embark on the second half of the 68th Legislative Session, refreshed, revived, and ready for the “battle of the budget.”
We’ll get into the budget and all things “second half” in another update. For now, keep your email open and your texting and dialing digits warmed-up and at the ready, because we may be reaching out frantically in the next few days for your assistance in contacting your legislators!
God speed. And may the force be with us all. (Yes. That just happened. #starwarsforlife)
PS – 49 Legislative Days remaining…
Legislative Resources
Below is a list or resources, some of which were mentioned in this update.
And Don’t Forget…
If you find yourself on uneven footing during the legislative session at any time, no worries. We’re here to help keep you apprised of what’s happening on the hill. Every week until Sine Die during these trying and perplexing times (i.e., the Legislative Session), we’ll be releasing a new issue of the MACo Legislative Update (linked below and above).
Each issue always has an up-to-date session calendar, an easy-to-print bill hearings schedule for the upcoming week, and the status of all the bills we’re currently watching as well as those in which we’re actively involved. Click the button below to check out the new issue.
Pro Tip: Our website’s hearing schedule is updated daily, with new hearings added as the week progresses, so be sure to check it out! It also has links to testify remotely and/or submit written public comment as well as watch legislative bill hearings.
For other pertinent information regarding the legislative session, visit the policy section of our website.
That’s all for now! See you either virtually via the internet highway or in the halls!
—Fin.—
(the end…of the update, not the session, obvi)
Questions?
Eric Bryson
Executive Director
Phone: 406-461-2084
ebryson@mtcounties.org
Jason Rittal
Deputy Director
406-441-5464
jrittal@mtcounties.org
Karen Alley
Associate General Counsel
Phone: 406-441-5472
kalley@mtcounties.org
Shantil Siaperas
Communications Director
Phone: 406-925-1134
shantil@mtcounties.org