House Bill No. [insert bill number] aims to enhance the responsibilities of the Transportation Interim Committee, the Transportation Commission, and the Department of Transportation concerning the prioritization of construction projects. The bill mandates the Transportation Interim Committee to prepare a joint resolution recommending specific construction and reconstruction projects for prioritization before each regular legislative session. Additionally, it requires the Transportation Commission to report biennially to the Transportation Interim Committee on the status of projects recommended by the legislature, including details on any projects that have not been prioritized, along with the factors influencing those decisions.

The bill amends Sections 5-5-233 and 60-2-110 of the Montana Code Annotated (MCA). Notably, it introduces new reporting requirements for the Transportation Commission, which must now deliver a report in May of even-numbered years regarding the status of construction projects recommended for prioritization. Furthermore, the Department of Transportation is tasked with assisting the Commission in evaluating projects suggested by the legislature, ensuring a more structured approach to project prioritization and transparency in the decision-making process.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 5-5-233, 60-2-110
HB0172_1(1): 5-5-233, 60-2-110
HB0172_1(2): 5-5-233, 60-2-110
HB0172_1(3): 5-5-233, 60-2-110
HB0172_1(4): 5-5-233, 60-2-110
HB0172_1(5): 5-5-233, 60-2-110
HB0172_1(6): 5-5-233, 60-2-110
HB0172_1: 5-5-233, 60-2-110