Rule change to benefit freshmen legislators

The 64th session of the Montana Legislature was gaveled to order on Jan. 5. In the House, 100 representatives took the oath of office. Thirty-seven of them are freshmen legislators. That means they have to hit the ground running as committees are already conducting hearings on bills.

Rules for the session were decided and in the end improved the legislative process. Registered lobbyists will not be allowed on the House floor, but the general public will still be admitted. This rule change was adopted out of respect for freshmen representatives because their floor desk is their office.

Another rule change was to remove the “Call of the House with a Quorum.” This rule allowed for one-third of present members to call the House if any member is missing. During a call of the House, all business is suspended until the missing members return. A “Call of the House without a Quorum” was left in the House rules.

Northwest Montana is well represented in the Montana House leadership. Jerry Bennett from Libby is chairman of the House Judiciary Committee. Steve Lavin of Kalispell is chairman of the House Transportation Committee. Carl Glimm of Kalispell is chairman of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Natural Resources.  Randy Brodehl of Kalispell is chairman of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Corrections. Greg Hertz of Polson is a Majority Whip, and I am the House Majority Leader.

The Montana legislative Web site is an excellent way to track bills through the legislative process. It also has contact information for you to communicate with your representative or senator. It can be accessed online at www.leg.mt.gov.

Rep. Keith Regier, R-Kalispell, represents House District 4.