There is a lot going on in this moment in time – with breaking news about harmful bills and bad policies coming at us daily. But one thing remains, the ACLU of Montana's focus on preserving civil rights for all people, no matter how much chaos we are all witnessing in the world today.
Here in our State's Capitol, there is plenty of work to do as day 20 of the legislative session comes to a close. This week we are highlighting a few bills we've been focused on, and we invite you to head to our Legislative Advocacy webpage for more information on the 2025 session, bill status and drafts. More importantly learn how to advocate on the issues you care about by visiting Engaging in the Legislative Process.
After all, it's our legislature. Together there is power when we speak up for what we care about, and when we make sure our representatives hear our voices, loudly and clearly.
A bill stigmatizing and discriminating against transgender, intersex, and gender nonconforming Montanans, while raising serious questions about privacy, safety, and enforceability, passed in the House on January 16 with a vote along party lines. On Thursday, January 30, it was heard in the Senate Judiciary Committee. We anticipate the bill could land on the Governor's desk in lightning speed. This bill doesn't solve a problem – it creates one. This bill is a distraction and fearmongering tactic. Instead of giving in to fear, we believe that all Montanans deserve access to the facilities they need, in alignment with who they know themselves to be without harassment, discrimination or violence.
A bill criminalizing healthcare for transgender youth was heard in the Senate Judiciary Committee, on Monday, January 27. This bill defines gender-affirming care as a form of child abuse, carrying criminal penalties, despite the fact that every major medical association in America endorses the provision of this type of care. This bill would mandate severe government overreach into private decisions that should remain between families and their treating care physicians.
A bill requiring partisan elections of judges and justices was heard in the Senate Judiciary Committee on Thursday, January 16. This bill would improperly politicize our judiciary. Judges and justices are tasked with being impartial, and to leave their political affiliations at the courthouse doors. By requiring judges and justices to affiliate with a political party, the Legislature seeks to chip away at the separation of powers that is at the foundation of our democracy.
A bill extending the Montana Indian Child Welfare Act (MICWA) was heard in the Senate Public Health, Welfare and Safety Committee on Monday, January 27. This is a monumental moment for Montana. Every tribal council in the state, along with the Rocky Mountain Tribal Leaders Council, has united in support of this bill, representing a significant commitment to protecting Native children, preserving tribal sovereignty, and addressing systemic disparities in Montana's child welfare system. It is a clear path to ensuring our state does not repeat the mistakes of the past.
A bill revising Indian Education For All (IEFA) laws by strengthening Montana's commitment to preserving American Indian cultural integrity was heard in the Senate Education and Cultural Resources Committee on Tuesday, January 28. The bill enhances the constitutional obligation by requiring schools to collaborate with Montana tribes to create culturally responsive curriculums; mandates transparency and annual reporting to track IEFA implementation; provides better oversight of how IEFA funding is used, preventing harmful misuse; and ensures educators receive training on Native history and culture.
Remember, this is your legislature, and your legislators need to hear from you, their constituents. To get involved and make sure your voice is heard, please visit our new resource on our website, Engaging in the Legislative Process, for more information about how to testify, registering to provide remote testimony, finding committee schedules, live streaming committee hearings, and more.
Thank you again for remaining steadfast partners with us. Despite feelings of overwhelm and chaos, collectively, we have the power to push back against discriminatory bills and remind legislators that their duty is to create laws and policies that represent the will of the people and stay within the bounds of Montana's constitutional protections.
