House Bill No. introduced by B. Barker, C. Hinkle, P. Tuss, and K. Bogner aims to revise the classification and motor carrier certificate laws in Montana. The bill amends Section 69-12-321 of the Montana Code Annotated (MCA) to clarify the process for hearings on 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, a hearing must be scheduled within 60 days. Additionally, the bill limits protests related to Class E motor carriers to their ability to meet specific requirements.

The bill also 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 affecting transportation have materially changed since the last investigation. Furthermore, the bill establishes an immediate effective date upon passage and approval.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 69-12-321
HB0518_1(1): 69-12-321
HB0518_1(2): 69-12-321
HB0518_1: 69-12-321