The bill amends Section 69-12-321 of the Montana Code Annotated, which pertains to the process for hearing applications for motor carrier certificates. It specifies that upon receiving an application from a Class A, Class D, or Class E motor carrier, the commission must notify interested parties. If a protest or request for a hearing is filed, the commission is required to schedule a hearing within 60 days. Additionally, the bill clarifies that protests related to Class E motor carriers are limited to their ability to meet specific requirements.

Furthermore, the bill removes the provision that allowed applications from Class D motor carriers to be denied without a public hearing if the commission had previously determined that public convenience and necessity did not require the proposed service. Instead, a hearing must be held if the applicant can demonstrate that conditions have materially changed since the last investigation. The bill also includes a new section stating that it will take effect immediately upon passage and approval.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 69-12-321
HB0518_1(1): 69-12-321
HB0518_1: 69-12-321