House Bill No. [insert bill number] proposes a legislative study to evaluate the economic impacts of federal directives issued since January 20, 2025, on the citizens, businesses, and governments of Montana. The Legislative Finance Committee will conduct this study during the 2025-2026 interim, potentially forming bipartisan subcommittees to aid in the research. A preliminary report is required by January 1, 2026, followed by a final report due by September 1, 2026, which will be shared with the governor, state legislators, tribal governments, and Montana's congressional delegation. The study will examine the effects of federal funding losses, tariffs, and their broader economic implications, including impacts on state agency operations, local government programs, and infrastructure projects.

Additionally, the bill addresses the anticipated consequences of significant federal workforce reductions on various sectors in Montana, such as government services, businesses, taxation, and wages. It highlights specific concerns regarding potential service losses from agencies like the Department of Veterans Affairs and the U.S. Forest Service, which could affect veterans' services, forest management, education funding, and public safety. To support this comprehensive study, the bill allocates $215,000 from the general fund for the legislative fiscal division for the biennium starting July 1, 2025, and requires the Secretary of State to notify each federally recognized tribal government in Montana about the act. The bill also includes provisions for its effective date, a contingent voidness clause if it lacks an appropriation, and a termination date of December 31, 2026.