This bill revises laws related to motor fuels taxes cooperative agreements in Montana, establishing a legislative negotiation and approval authority for such agreements. It mandates that, starting October 1, 2025, the Department of Transportation shall include legislators representing districts with Indian reservations in the negotiating team for cooperative agreements with Indian tribes, rather than solely relying on the attorney general. The bill also stipulates that the legislature must approve these agreements through a resolution, and it requires a legislative audit of existing cooperative agreements by June 1, 2026, to assess their financial implications and methodologies.

Additionally, the bill amends the provisions regarding the Tribal Motor Fuels Administration Account, allowing the Department of Transportation to use funds solely for administering the gasoline tax and providing refunds under cooperative agreements. It includes a new requirement for the Secretary of State to notify each federally recognized tribal government in Montana about the act and establishes a saving clause to protect rights and duties that existed prior to the act's effective date. Overall, the bill aims to enhance legislative oversight and ensure fair taxation practices for motor fuels on Indian reservations.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 15-70-450, 15-70-451