House Bill No. [insert bill number] aims to revise laws related to energy generation and electricity transmission in Montana by establishing a state energy authority. This authority will be tasked with facilitating the development of energy production and electric transmission facilities, thereby enhancing the state's economy and energy resources. The bill includes provisions for the authority's composition, powers, and operational guidelines, such as requiring state agencies to cooperate with the authority and creating a special revenue account funded by the wholesale energy transaction tax. Notably, the bill introduces new reporting requirements and mandates the authority to submit an annual report summarizing its activities and recommendations.

The bill also amends existing laws, specifically sections 15-72-106 and 17-7-502 of the Montana Code Annotated (MCA), to ensure that funds from the wholesale energy transaction tax are allocated to support the authority's activities. The authority will consist of 13 members appointed by the governor, including four ex officio nonvoting members and two legislative liaisons. The bill establishes a statutory appropriation for the authority, allowing it to receive funds without the need for a biennial legislative appropriation. 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(10): 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(9): 15-72-106, 17-7-502
HB0314_2: 15-72-106, 17-7-502