This bill amends Section 69-12-321 of the Montana Code Annotated to extend the timeline for hearings on applications for motor carrier certificates. Specifically, it changes the deadline for setting a hearing from 60 days to 90 days after the receipt of a protest or hearing request. The bill maintains the provision that if no protest or request for a hearing is received, the commission may proceed with the application without a hearing, following its established rules.

Additionally, the bill clarifies the parties that are considered interested in the proceedings, including motor carriers, the Department of Transportation, and local governing boards, who may provide testimony regarding the application. It also stipulates that certain applications may be denied without a public hearing if previous investigations have determined that public convenience and necessity do not require the proposed service, unless the applicant can demonstrate significant changes in conditions since that investigation. The effective date for this legislation is set for July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 69-12-321
SB0022_1(1): 69-12-321
SB0022_1(2): 69-12-321
SB0022_1(3): 69-12-321
SB0022_1(4): 69-12-321
SB0022_1(5): 69-12-321
SB0022_1(6): 69-12-321
SB0022_1(7): 69-12-321
SB0022_1: 69-12-321
SB0022_2: 69-12-321
SB0022_X(1): 69-12-321
SB0022_X(10): 69-12-321
SB0022_X(2): 69-12-321
SB0022_X(3): 69-12-321
SB0022_X(4): 69-12-321
SB0022_X(5): 69-12-321
SB0022_X(6): 69-12-321
SB0022_X(7): 69-12-321
SB0022_X(8): 69-12-321
SB0022_X(9): 69-12-321
SB0022_X: 69-12-321