House Bill No. introduced by B. Close and others aims to grant procedural rulemaking authority to the Department of Labor and Industry, specifically in the context of contested administrative cases. The bill amends Section 37-1-101 of the Montana Code Annotated (MCA) to include new provisions that require the department to adopt uniform rules for all boards and department programs. These rules will establish procedures for contested cases and ensure compliance with public notice requirements, allowing for streamlined processes in handling administrative matters.

The bill also emphasizes the department's responsibilities, including the issuance and renewal of licenses, investigation of complaints, and monitoring of board operations to maintain fiscal solvency. Notably, it introduces a requirement for the department to adopt rules that may simplify public notice procedures related to hearings on license suspensions or revocations, potentially enhancing transparency while balancing the need for efficiency in administrative processes.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 37-1-101
HB0261_1(1): 37-1-101
HB0261_1(2): 37-1-101
HB0261_1(3): 37-1-101
HB0261_1(4): 37-1-101
HB0261_1(5): 37-1-101
HB0261_1(6): 37-1-101
HB0261_1: 37-1-101