The proposed bill establishes the Montana Energy Authority, aimed at enhancing the state's energy generation and electric transmission capabilities. It outlines the authority's purpose, which includes facilitating the development of energy resources to support economic growth and stability in Montana. The bill mandates cooperation from state agencies and creates a special revenue account funded by the wholesale energy transaction tax to support the authority's activities. Key provisions include the establishment of reporting requirements, the appointment of members to the authority, and the authority's powers to plan, develop, and coordinate energy projects.

Significant changes in the bill include the reduction of the authority's membership from 14 to 13, the addition of two ex officio legislative liaisons, and the requirement for the authority to submit an annual report summarizing its activities and recommendations. The bill also specifies that the authority will receive a statutory appropriation from the wholesale energy transaction tax, with a cap of $700,000 annually starting July 1, 2025. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, and will terminate on December 31, 2031.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 15-72-106, 17-7-502
HB0314_1(1): 15-72-106, 17-7-502
HB0314_1(2): 15-72-106, 17-7-502
HB0314_1(3): 15-72-106, 17-7-502
HB0314_1(4): 15-72-106, 17-7-502
HB0314_1(5): 15-72-106, 17-7-502
HB0314_1(6): 15-72-106, 17-7-502
HB0314_1(7): 15-72-106, 17-7-502
HB0314_1: 15-72-106, 17-7-502
HB0314_2(1): 15-72-106, 17-7-502
HB0314_2(2): 15-72-106, 17-7-502
HB0314_2(3): 15-72-106, 17-7-502
HB0314_2(4): 15-72-106, 17-7-502
HB0314_2(5): 15-72-106, 17-7-502
HB0314_2(6): 15-72-106, 17-7-502
HB0314_2(7): 15-72-106, 17-7-502
HB0314_2(8): 15-72-106, 17-7-502
HB0314_2: 15-72-106, 17-7-502