House Joint Resolution No. 40, introduced by K. Sullivan and K. Zolnikov, requests an interim study to evaluate the potential transfer of responsibility for producing fiscal notes from the executive branch to the legislative branch in Montana. The resolution highlights the current process outlined in Title 5, chapter 4, part 2 of the Montana Code Annotated (MCA), which mandates that fiscal notes be prepared by the budget director in collaboration with relevant agencies. The study aims to explore the benefits and drawbacks of this proposed change, drawing on practices from other states where legislative staff handle fiscal notes.

The resolution calls for the Legislative Council to appoint an appropriate interim committee to conduct the study, with support from the Legislative Services Division and the Legislative Fiscal Division for administrative, research, and legal assistance. It stipulates that the study must be completed by September 15, 2026, and that the findings, conclusions, and recommendations of the committee should be reported to the 70th Legislature.