Understanding Montana’s legislative session
By Daniel Bierschwale EBS COLUMNIST
Over the past two years, we’ve talked a lot about Big Sky’s Capital Improvement Plan and the importance of investing in large-scale projects for our community’s future. From infrastructure upgrades to workforce housing, these projects are essential for meeting the needs of our growing population. While planning and funding at the local level are crucial, many of the resources that make these projects possible are influenced by decisions made far from Big Sky—in the halls of Montana’s Capitol in Helena.
When the Montana Legislature convenes every two years, it becomes the heart of state decision-making. The Legislature shapes policies, allocates funding, and charts the course for Montana’s future. For Big Sky, understanding and engaging in this legislative process is as important as planning capital investments. Decisions made in Helena directly impact our daily lives and our ability to implement the priorities outlined in the CIP.
Montana’s legislative session is a concentrated 90-day period during which elected representatives and senators gather to debate and pass laws. Unlike many states that hold annual sessions, Montana meets every two years, convening in odd-numbered years. Montana has what is called a citizen legislature. This is where lawmakers are part-time public servants who live and work in their communities outside of the legislative session, balancing their roles as elected officials with careers, families and community commitments. These individuals may be teachers, ranchers, business owners, healthcare workers, or retirees. Citizen legislatures are rare in the United States with only a handful of states employing this model. The intent is for lawmakers to bring diverse, real-world perspectives to the Capitol and remain closely connected to the people they represent.
The legislative process itself is fast-paced and deliberate. Bills are introduced by legislators, then go through a series of stages designed to refine and evaluate their merit. Each bill goes through three readings in the chamber where it originates—either the house or the senate. The first reading introduces the bill and assigns it to a committee. Committees conduct hearings where public testimony is heard and amendments can be proposed. If a bill passes out of committee, it goes to the second reading for debate and a vote on the floor. If successful, it advances to the third reading for final approval. The process then repeats in the opposite chamber. If both chambers pass the bill, it is sent to the governor, who can sign it into law, veto it, or allow it to become law without a signature.
The 2023 session saw significant activity, with 4,643 bill drafts prepared, 1,698 bills introduced, and 885 bills ultimately adopted, along with passing a $14 billion budget. These numbers highlight the intensity of the work completed in just three months. For communities like Big Sky, this process is an opportunity to advocate for funding and policies that reflect local priorities, such as infrastructure improvements and supportive resort tax policies.
As a citizen, staying informed is the first step to effective engagement. The Montana Legislature’s website, legmt.gov, and the Montana Free Press’s Capitol Tracker are valuable resources for understanding the legislative process and staying connected. They provide tools to track bills, watch live sessions and committee meetings, and learn other ways to participate.
The majority of Big Sky falls under the representation of House District 60 Representative Alanah Griffith, a Big Sky resident, and Senate District 30 Senator Cora Neumann, while a small portion of the area is represented by House District 69 Representative Ken Walsh and Senate District 35 Senator Tony Tezak. Generally, representatives serve two-year terms and focus on localized issues and specific constituent concerns, while senators, serving four-year terms, address broader, long-term policy matters. Both roles are essential to ensuring balanced policymaking. To find your district and representatives, visit the Montana Legislature’s website.
For Big Sky, engaging in the legislative session is not just a civic responsibility but a strategic necessity. Advocating for priorities ensures that local needs are addressed in Helena. Big Sky organizations often coordinate advocacy efforts and may call on residents to support specific initiatives. Responding to these calls amplifies our community’s voice and increases its influence during the session.
By aligning the priorities outlined in the CIP with decisions made in Helena, Big Sky strengthens its ability to deliver on long-term investments that secure the community’s future. Staying informed, building relationships with legislators, and actively engaging in the legislative process ensures that Big Sky is represented in Montana’s Capitol.
Daniel Bierschwale is the Executive Director of the Big Sky Resort Area District (BSRAD). As a dedicated public servant, he is committed to increasing civic engagement and voter education. Many ballot issues impact government services and public funding including subsequent property tax impacts. BSRAD is the local government agency that administers Resort Tax, which offsets property taxes while also funding numerous community-wide nonprofit programs.
