reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 5. Legislative Branch › Chapter 11. Legislative Council and Publication of Laws › Part 3. Interstate, International, and Intergovernmental Cooperation › 5-11-305. Legislative council appointments to interstate, international, and intergovernmental entities

5-11-305. Legislative council appointments to interstate, international, and intergovernmental entities.
(1) Unless otherwise provided by law, the legislative council shall appoint legislators to serve as members of appropriate interstate, international, and intergovernmental entities.
(2) The president of the senate, the speaker of the house, the minority leader of the senate, and the minority leader of the house may recommend nominees for the legislative council's consideration in making appointments to interstate, international, and intergovernmental entities.
(3) If the legislative council appoints more than one legislator to participate as a member in an interstate, international, or intergovernmental entity, the number of legislators appointed from the majority party and the minority party must be equal.
(4) If funds are available that the legislative council has the authority to expend, the legislative council, as the appropriate funding authority, may authorize that a legislator appointed as a member to an interstate, international, or intergovernmental entity be compensated, as provided in 5-2-302, for salary and expenses associated with participating in an entity-sponsored activity.
(5) If a vacancy occurs in membership to an interstate, international, or intergovernmental entity, appointment to fill the vacancy must be made in the same manner as the original appointment.
(6) The legislative council shall make appointments to any policy committee established by the Pacific Northwest economic region as provided in 5-11-707(2).
History: En. Sec. 3, Ch. 232, L. 2003; amd. Sec. 12, Ch. 4, Sp. L. May 2007.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 5. Legislative Branch › Chapter 11. Legislative Council and Publication of Laws › Part 4. Information Technology Planning › 5-11-401. Purpose

5-11-401. Purpose.
It is the purpose of this part to establish a mechanism for information technology planning encompassing broad policy needs, long-term direction for information systems use, and the effective implementation of a detailed plan for the legislative branch. It is the purpose of the plan to ensure coordination of information system decisions so that the overall effectiveness of the senate, the house of representatives, and legislative agencies may be improved. It is the further purpose of the plan to enhance the coordination of legislative branch systems with executive branch systems whenever possible.
History: En. Sec. 1, Ch. 687, L. 1989; amd. Sec. 3, Ch. 284, L. 2013.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 5. Legislative Branch › Chapter 11. Legislative Council and Publication of Laws › Part 4. Information Technology Planning › 5-11-402. Legislative branch information technology planning council

5-11-402. Legislative branch information technology planning council.
There is a legislative branch information technology planning council composed of:
(1) the secretary of the senate;
(2) one representative of the senate designated by the president;
(3) the chief clerk of the house of representatives;
(4) one representative of the house designated by the speaker;
(5) the executive director of the legislative services division, who shall chair the planning council;
(6) the legislative auditor;
(7) the legislative fiscal analyst;
(8) the consumer counsel;
(9) the chief information officer of the legislative branch; and
(10) a person designated by the director of the department of administration to represent the information technology responsibilities of the department, who shall serve as a nonvoting member of the planning council.
History: En. Sec. 2, Ch. 687, L. 1989; amd. Sec. 33, Ch. 545, L. 1995; amd. Sec. 33, Ch. 313, L. 2001; amd. Sec. 2, Ch. 250, L. 2009; amd. Sec. 4, Ch. 284, L. 2013.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 5. Legislative Branch › Chapter 11. Legislative Council and Publication of Laws › Part 4. Information Technology Planning › 5-11-403. Duties of legislative branch information technology planning council

5-11-403. Duties of legislative branch information technology planning council.
The legislative branch information technology planning council shall develop and maintain a legislative branch information technology plan. In developing and maintaining this plan, the planning council shall:
(1) approve and validate the branch enterprise architecture program that includes principles to maintain alignment with evolving business and technology needs;
(2) continuously review analyses of existing and alternate information systems to identify candidates for automation, modernization, enhancement, improvement, or integration with new applications to support evolving legislative branch needs or functions;
(3) include in the plan a description of functions and services in the legislative branch and its agencies that would benefit from the application or improvement of information technology to provide better service to members of the legislature, legislative agencies, and the public;
(4) prioritize information technology initiatives, taking into consideration expected effectiveness, probable cost, and alignment with the enterprise architecture principles;
(5) adopt technology standards within the enterprise architecture program that are appropriate to the business needs and technical environment of the legislative branch and its agencies; and
(6) consider information technology support of security, disaster recovery, and continuity of government.
History: En. Sec. 3, Ch. 687, L. 1989; amd. Sec. 34, Ch. 313, L. 2001; amd. Sec. 5, Ch. 284, L. 2013.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 5. Legislative Branch › Chapter 11. Legislative Council and Publication of Laws › Part 4. Information Technology Planning › 5-11-404. Technical support

5-11-404. Technical support.
(1) The executive director of the legislative services division shall provide technical staff support to the legislative branch information technology planning council. In performing this duty, the legislative services division shall assist the planning council by:
(a) developing and maintaining an enterprise architecture program to include:
(i) enterprise architecture principles and technology standards that are aligned with business needs;
(ii) decisionmaking processes that guide the application of the principles; and
(iii) a repository of business and technical information to support sound decisions;
(b) developing analyses of existing and alternate systems to identify candidates for automation, modernization, or enhancement;
(c) assisting in assessing benefits and costs of alternate solutions;
(d) apprising the planning council of developments and trends in the technology industry;
(e) maintaining a liaison with and informing the planning council of plans and directions within the executive branch;
(f) selecting and purchasing supplies and equipment that support the enterprise architecture principles adopted by the planning council;
(g) providing information and advice regarding information technology support of security, disaster recovery, and continuity of government; and
(h) providing other assistance as may be requested.
(2) The executive director shall encourage participation of appropriate personnel of the senate, the house of representatives, and other legislative entities in the provision of technical support.
History: En. Sec. 4, Ch. 687, L. 1989; amd. Sec. 34, Ch. 545, L. 1995; amd. Sec. 6, Ch. 284, L. 2013.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 5. Legislative Branch › Chapter 11. Legislative Council and Publication of Laws › Part 4. Information Technology Planning › 5-11-405. Legislative branch information technology plan -- adoption

5-11-405. Legislative branch information technology plan -- adoption.
The legislative branch information technology plan is a biennial plan that reflects the budget proposals for the next biennium that must be approved and adopted by the legislative council.
History: En. Sec. 5, Ch. 687, L. 1989; amd. Sec. 35, Ch. 545, L. 1995; amd. Sec. 7, Ch. 284, L. 2013.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 5. Legislative Branch › Chapter 11. Legislative Council and Publication of Laws › Part 4. Information Technology Planning › 5-11-406. Legislative branch systems -- conformity to standards

5-11-406. Legislative branch systems -- conformity to standards.
Information technology systems installed by the senate, the house of representatives, and legislative branch agencies must conform to standards established by the legislative branch for the enterprise architecture in effect at the time the purchasing decision is made.
History: En. Sec. 6, Ch. 687, L. 1989; amd. Sec. 8, Ch. 284, L. 2013.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 5. Legislative Branch › Chapter 11. Legislative Council and Publication of Laws › Part 4. Information Technology Planning › 5-11-407. Legislative branch reserve account

5-11-407. Legislative branch reserve account.
(1) There is a legislative branch reserve account in the state special revenue fund. Money may be deposited in the account through an allocation of money to the account or as provided in 17-7-304.
(2) (a) The money in the account is statutorily appropriated, as provided in 17-7-502, to the legislative services division to be used only for major legislative branch information technology projects, including the purchase of hardware, software, and consulting services for and training related to new initiatives and replacement and upgrading of existing systems.
(b) The money in the account may be expended only with the approval of the legislative council. The legislative branch information technology planning council may make recommendations to the legislative council for the use of the money in the account.
(3) The money in the account must be invested pursuant to Title 17, chapter 6. The income and earnings on the account must be deposited in the account.
History: En. Sec. 1, Ch. 581, L. 2005; amd. Sec. 9, Ch. 284, L. 2013.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 5. Legislative Branch › Chapter 11. Legislative Council and Publication of Laws › Part 7. Pacific Northwest Economic Region › 5-11-702. Repealed

5-11-702. Repealed.
Sec. 49, Ch. 19, L. 1999.
History: En. Sec. 2, Ch. 630, L. 1991; amd. Sec. 1, Ch. 141, L. 1995.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 5. Legislative Branch › Chapter 11. Legislative Council and Publication of Laws › Part 7. Pacific Northwest Economic Region › 5-11-703. Repealed

5-11-703. Repealed.
Sec. 49, Ch. 19, L. 1999.
History: En. Sec. 3, Ch. 630, L. 1991; amd. Sec. 2, Ch. 141, L. 1995.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 5. Legislative Branch › Chapter 11. Legislative Council and Publication of Laws › Part 7. Pacific Northwest Economic Region › 5-11-704. Repealed

5-11-704. Repealed.
Sec. 49, Ch. 19, L. 1999.
History: En. Sec. 4, Ch. 630, L. 1991; amd. Sec. 3, Ch. 141, L. 1995.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 5. Legislative Branch › Chapter 11. Legislative Council and Publication of Laws › Part 7. Pacific Northwest Economic Region › 5-11-705. Legislative findings

5-11-705. Legislative findings.
(1) The legislature finds that there is a new emerging global economy in which countries and regions located in specific areas of the world are forging new cooperative arrangements.
(2) The legislature finds that these new cooperative arrangements are increasing the competitiveness of the participating countries and regions, thus increasing the economic benefits and the overall quality of life for the citizens of the individual countries and regions.
(3) The legislature also finds that the Pacific Northwest states of Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington, the Canadian provinces of Alberta and British Columbia, and the Yukon Territory of Canada are in a strategic position to act together as a region, thus increasing the overall competitiveness of the individual states, provinces, and territory that will provide substantial economic benefits for all of their citizens.
History: En. Sec. 1, Ch. 349, L. 2001.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 5. Legislative Branch › Chapter 11. Legislative Council and Publication of Laws › Part 7. Pacific Northwest Economic Region › 5-11-707. Appointment to Pacific Northwest economic region -- vacancy

5-11-707. Appointment to Pacific Northwest economic region -- vacancy.
(1) Pursuant to 5-11-706, Article III, the governor or a designee and four legislators must be appointed to the delegate council of the Pacific Northwest economic region. The legislative members are appointed as follows:
(a) one member to be appointed by the president of the senate;
(b) one member to be appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives;
(c) one member to be appointed by the minority leader of the senate; and
(d) one member to be appointed by the minority leader of the house of representatives.
(2) If the Pacific Northwest economic region establishes policy committees under 5-11-706, Article V, appointments of legislators to the policy committees are to be made by the legislative council as provided in 5-11-305.
(3) In the event that a vacancy occurs, appointment to fill the vacancy must be made in the same manner as the original appointment.
History: En. Sec. 3, Ch. 349, L. 2001; amd. Sec. 4, Ch. 232, L. 2003.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 5. Legislative Branch › Chapter 11. Legislative Council and Publication of Laws › Part 7. Pacific Northwest Economic Region › 5-11-708. Compensation of certain appointees to Pacific Northwest economic region

5-11-708. Compensation of certain appointees to Pacific Northwest economic region.
Legislative members appointed to the Pacific Northwest economic region under 5-11-707 are entitled to compensation as provided in 5-2-302.
History: En. Sec. 4, Ch. 349, L. 2001.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 5. Legislative Branch › Chapter 11. Legislative Council and Publication of Laws › Part 11. Broadcasting Services › 5-11-1101. Legislative findings and purpose

5-11-1101. Legislative findings and purpose.
The legislature finds and declares that:
(1) the purpose of a state-funded public affairs broadcasting program is to provide Montana citizens with increased access to unbiased information about state government deliberations and public policy events through unedited television coverage and other communications technologies; and
(2) the preferred means of establishing and maintaining a state-funded public affairs broadcasting program is to assign the enabling responsibilities to the legislative council and the division to contract with a qualified operator through a competitive bidding process. If a qualified operator is not found, the division may become the operator and operate within the existing appropriation until a qualified operator is hired under a subsequent request for proposals. The division may not be the sole operator on a permanent basis but shall seek to maintain a partnership with an outside operator. The division shall issue a request for proposals before the end of any biennium during which the division serves as a temporary operator. Any scoring and review team for the requested proposals must include a member of the majority party and a member of the minority party who are members of the legislative council.
History: En. Sec. 1, Ch. 557, L. 2001; amd. Sec. 1, Ch. 257, L. 2013; amd. Sec. 1, Ch. 183, L. 2017.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 5. Legislative Branch › Chapter 11. Legislative Council and Publication of Laws › Part 11. Broadcasting Services › 5-11-1102. Definitions

5-11-1102. Definitions.
As used in this part, unless the context requires otherwise, the following definitions apply:
(1) "Broadcasting" means any application of communication technologies to deliver live or delayed programming to a viewing audience, including but not limited to over-the-air television broadcasts, cable television, and the streaming of audio or video signals over the internet.
(2) "Division" means the legislative services division provided for in 5-11-111.
(3) "Gavel-to-gavel coverage" means that any broadcast of legislative or administrative proceedings is activated when the presiding officer of a floor session or a committee meeting calls the body to order and is deactivated on adjournment.
(4) "Operator" means:
(a) a private, nonprofit organization exempt from taxation under section 501(c) of the Internal Revenue Code; or
(b) a public or private Montana institution of higher education that has a program related to video production or broadcast or a related field.
History: En. Sec. 2, Ch. 557, L. 2001; amd. Sec. 2, Ch. 257, L. 2013; amd. Sec. 2, Ch. 183, L. 2017.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 5. Legislative Branch › Chapter 12. Legislative Finance and Data Analytics Act › Part 1. General › 5-12-101. Title and purpose of chapter

5-12-101. Title and purpose of chapter.
(1) This chapter may be cited as "The Legislative Finance and Data Analytics Act".
(2) Because the legislature is responsible for appropriating public funds, it shall provide for fiscal analysis of state government to accumulate, compile, analyze, and furnish information on the financial matters of the state that is relevant to issues of policy and questions of statewide importance.
(3) Because the legislature is responsible for providing a comprehensive system of efficient governance, policy, and appropriations for the state and its political subdivisions, including local governments and schools, analysis of data across all aspects of government revenues, services, and funding is essential.
(4) Because the laws enacted by the legislature remain unless later changed by the legislature, appropriations may impact future generations, and tax and other law changes may impact the state's economy, the legislature needs a data tool to evaluate the impacts of legislation on future generations. The tool should be derived from reliable data sets and numeric in nature to allow the legislature to evaluate different assumptions and potential changes in law 20 years into the future.
History: En. 43-1109 by Sec. 1, Ch. 448, L. 1975; R.C.M. 1947, 43-1109; amd. Sec. 4, Ch. 587, L. 2023.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 5. Legislative Branch › Chapter 12. Legislative Finance and Data Analytics Act › Part 1. General › 5-12-102. Definitions

5-12-102. Definitions.
In this chapter, the following definitions apply:
(1) "Budget amendment" means a request submitted through the budget director to the committee for executive branch agencies to expend funds in excess of those appropriated by the legislature.
(2) "Budget director" means the budget director appointed pursuant to 17-7-103.
(3) "Committee" means the legislative finance committee created by this chapter.
(4) "State agency" means all offices, departments, boards, commissions, institutions, universities, colleges, and any other person or any other administrative unit of state government that spends or encumbers public moneys by virtue of an appropriation from the legislature, that handles money on behalf of the state, or that holds any trust or agency moneys from any source.
History: (1)En. 43-1117 by Sec. 1, Ch. 510, L. 1975; Sec. 43-1117, R.C.M. 1947; (2) thru (4)En. 43-1110 by Sec. 2, Ch. 448, L. 1975; Sec. 43-1110, R.C.M. 1947; R.C.M. 1947, 43-1110, 43-1117.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 5. Legislative Branch › Chapter 12. Legislative Finance and Data Analytics Act › Part 2. Legislative Finance Committee › 5-12-201. Legislative finance committee

5-12-201. Legislative finance committee.
There is a legislative finance committee which is a permanent joint committee of the legislature.
History: En. 43-1111 by Sec. 3, Ch. 448, L. 1975; amd. Sec. 23, Ch. 309, L. 1977; R.C.M. 1947, 43-1111(part).
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 5. Legislative Branch › Chapter 12. Legislative Finance and Data Analytics Act › Part 2. Legislative Finance Committee › 5-12-202. Appointment of members

5-12-202. Appointment of members.
(1) The legislative finance committee consists of:
(a) four members of the senate finance and claims committee appointed by the presiding officer;
(b) subject to 5-5-234, two members of the senate appointed at large by the committee on committees;
(c) four members of the house of representatives appropriations committee appointed by the presiding officer; and
(d) subject to 5-5-234, two members of the house appointed at large by the speaker.
(2) These members must be appointed before the end of each legislative session. Three members of each house, two committee members and one at-large member, must be from the majority party and the other three members appointed from that house must be from the minority party.
(3) Presiding officers of interim budget committees are ex officio nonvoting members of the legislative finance committee.
History: En. 43-1112 by Sec. 4, Ch. 448, L. 1975; amd. Sec. 5, Ch. 103, L. 1977; R.C.M. 1947, 43-1112(1), (2); amd. Sec. 251, Ch. 61, L. 2007; amd. Sec. 13, Ch. 4, Sp. L. May 2007; amd. Sec. 6, Ch. 432, L. 2023.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 5. Legislative Branch › Chapter 12. Legislative Finance and Data Analytics Act › Part 2. Legislative Finance Committee › 5-12-203. Term -- officers -- compensation

5-12-203. Term -- officers -- compensation.
(1) Appointments are for 2 years, and a member of the committee shall serve until the member's term of office as a legislator ends or until a successor is appointed, whichever occurs first.
(2) The committee shall elect one of its members as presiding officer and other officers that it considers necessary. If a party has a majority of both chambers, the presiding officer must be from that party.
(3) Members of the committee are entitled to receive compensation and expenses as provided in 5-2-302.
History: En. 43-1112 by Sec. 4, Ch. 448, L. 1975; amd. Sec. 5, Ch. 103, L. 1977; R.C.M. 1947, 43-1112(4), (5), (6); amd. Sec. 252, Ch. 61, L. 2007; amd. Sec. 7, Ch. 432, L. 2023.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 5. Legislative Branch › Chapter 12. Legislative Finance and Data Analytics Act › Part 2. Legislative Finance Committee › 5-12-204. Vacancies

5-12-204. Vacancies.
If a vacancy occurs on the committee when the legislature is not in session, the remaining members shall select a member of the appropriate political party and appropriate committee, as provided in 5-12-202, to complete the unexpired term. If there is a vacancy on the committee at the beginning of a legislative session because a member's term of office as a legislator has ended, a member of the same political party must be appointed in the same manner as the original appointment, no later than the 10th legislative day, to serve until a successor is appointed under 5-12-202.
History: En. 43-1112 by Sec. 4, Ch. 448, L. 1975; amd. Sec. 5, Ch. 103, L. 1977; R.C.M. 1947, 43-1112(3); amd. Sec. 36, Ch. 545, L. 1995.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 5. Legislative Branch › Chapter 12. Legislative Finance and Data Analytics Act › Part 2. Legislative Finance Committee › 5-12-205. Powers and duties of committee

5-12-205. Powers and duties of committee.
The committee:
(1) may organize, adopt rules to govern its proceedings, form subcommittees, and meet as often as necessary, upon the call of the presiding officer, to advise and consult with the legislative fiscal analyst;
(2) may employ and, in accordance with the rules for classification and pay adopted by the legislative council, set the salary of the legislative fiscal analyst. The legislative fiscal analyst shall serve at the pleasure of and be responsible for providing services to the committee.
(3) may exercise the investigatory powers of a standing committee under chapter 5, part 1, of this title;
(4) shall monitor the information technology policies of the department of administration with specific attention to:
(a) identification of information technology issues likely to require future legislative attention; and
(b) the evaluation of proposed information technology policy changes and the fiscal implications of the proposed changes and shall provide written responses to the department of administration communicating the committee's positions and concerns on proposed policy changes;
(5) may accumulate, compile, analyze, and provide information relevant to existing or proposed legislation on how information technology can be used to impact the welfare of the state;
(6) may prepare legislation to implement any proposed changes involving information technology;
(7) shall, before each regular and special legislative session involving budgetary matters, prepare recommendations to the house appropriations committee and the senate finance and claims committee on the application of certain budget issues. At a minimum, the recommendations must include procedures for the consistent application during each session of inflation factors, the allocation of fixed costs, and the personal services budget. The committee may also make recommendations on other issues of major concern in the budgeting process, such as estimating the cost of implementing particular programs based upon present law.
(8) may, for the biennium beginning July 1, 2021, in consultation with the speaker of the house, appoint up to six ad hoc nonvoting committee members from the house of representatives. These members may participate in meetings but may not vote.
History: En. 43-1113 by Sec. 5, Ch. 448, L. 1975; R.C.M. 1947, 43-1113; amd. Sec. 37, Ch. 545, L. 1995; amd. Sec. 1, Ch. 347, L. 1997; amd. Sec. 35, Ch. 313, L. 2001; amd. Sec. 1, Ch. 398, L. 2019; amd. Sec. 1, Ch. 508, L. 2021.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 5. Legislative Branch › Chapter 12. Legislative Finance and Data Analytics Act › Part 2. Legislative Finance Committee › 5-12-208. Grant information to be provided to legislative finance committee -- internet link required

5-12-208. Grant information to be provided to legislative finance committee -- internet link required.
(1) Each state agency shall provide an annual report pursuant to subsection (2) to the legislative finance committee by October 1 of each year.
(2) The report must be provided electronically as a spreadsheet and must include the following information about each grant awarded by the state agency during the previous fiscal year:
(a) the name of the grantee;
(b) the address of the grantee;
(c) the amount of the grant;
(d) the award date of the grant;
(e) the purpose of the grant; and
(f) the grant period.
(3) The legislative finance committee shall post an internet link to the reports on its website under the meeting materials for the committee meeting that next follows the deadline established in subsection (1). At the end of the interim, a copy of the link or links must be provided to the legislature in accordance with 5-11-210.
History: En. Sec. 1, Ch. 369, L. 2017; amd. Sec. 24, Ch. 261, L. 2021.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 5. Legislative Branch › Chapter 12. Legislative Finance and Data Analytics Act › Part 2. Legislative Finance Committee › 5-12-209. Reporting

5-12-209. (Effective July 1, 2024) Reporting.
(1) To document the impacts and process associated with compliance with information requests made pursuant to Article II, section 9, of the Montana constitution and Title 2, chapter 6, each quarter, each executive branch agency, the legislative branch, and the judicial branch shall submit the information required by this section for the prior quarter to the legislative finance committee. The executive branch agencies subject to this section include the agencies headed by officers listed in Article VI, section 1, of the Montana constitution and the departments created pursuant to Article VI, section 7, of the Montana constitution.
(2) The report must contain the following information:
(a) the number of requests for information submitted to each entity in the preceding quarter;
(b) the identity of each requester;
(c) what information was requested;
(d) the date of the request; and
(e) the status of the request, whether completed or in progress.
(3) If the entity has completed the request, the report must also provide the following information:
(a) the date on which compliance with the request occurred;
(b) the number of hours to fulfill the request; and
(c) costs imposed on the requester to fulfill the request.
(4) For any request not completed in a quarter and reported pursuant to this section, the request must be reported on subsequent reports until the request has been completed.
(5) This section does not apply to requests that:
(a) were not submitted according to a public information request process or protocol established by an agency;
(b) pertain only to a specific person or property for applications, vital records, licenses, permits, registrations, and related supporting documents; or
(c) were for information accessible on a state website or other publication available at the time the request was made.
History: En. Sec. 1, Ch. 514, L. 2023.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 5. Legislative Branch › Chapter 12. Legislative Finance and Data Analytics Act › Part 3. Legislative Fiscal Analyst › 5-12-301. Legislative fiscal division

5-12-301. Legislative fiscal division.
There is a legislative fiscal division. The legislative fiscal analyst shall manage the legislative fiscal division to support the legislative finance committee, the interim budget committees identified in 5-12-501, and the modernization and risk analysis committee and carry out the provisions of this chapter.
History: En. 43-1111 by Sec. 3, Ch. 448, L. 1975; amd. Sec. 23, Ch. 309, L. 1977; R.C.M. 1947, 43-1111(part); amd. Sec. 38, Ch. 545, L. 1995; amd. Sec. 1, Ch. 494, L. 2023; amd. Sec. 5, Ch. 587, L. 2023.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 5. Legislative Branch › Chapter 12. Legislative Finance and Data Analytics Act › Part 3. Legislative Fiscal Analyst › 5-12-302. Fiscal analyst's duties

5-12-302. Fiscal analyst's duties.
The legislative fiscal analyst shall:
(1) provide for fiscal analysis of state government and accumulate, compile, analyze, and furnish information bearing upon the financial matters of the state that is relevant to issues of policy and questions of statewide importance, including but not limited to investigation and study of the possibilities of effecting economy and efficiency in state government;
(2) estimate revenue from existing and proposed taxes;
(3) analyze the executive budget and budget requests of selected state agencies and institutions, including proposals for the construction of capital improvements;
(4) make the reports, data tools, and recommendations that the legislative fiscal analyst considers desirable to the legislature in accordance with 5-11-210 and make reports, data tools, and recommendations as requested by the legislative finance committee and the legislature;
(5) assist committees of the legislature and individual legislators in compiling and analyzing financial data tools;
(6) assist the revenue interim committee in performing its revenue estimating duties;
(7) assist and provide staff for the interim budget committees established in 5-12-501;
(8) assist and provide staff for the modernization and risk analysis committee; and
(9) review all reports submitted to the legislative fiscal analyst and notify the legislative finance committee or the appropriate interim budget committee, or both, of any concerns the fiscal analyst identifies in a report.
History: En. 43-1114 by Sec. 6, Ch. 448, L. 1975; R.C.M. 1947, 43-1114; amd. Sec. 2, Ch. 608, L. 1989; amd. Sec. 39, Ch. 545, L. 1995; amd. Sec. 35, Ch. 19, L. 1999; amd. Sec. 8, Ch. 51, L. 1999; amd. Sec. 3, Ch. 120, L. 2013; amd. Sec. 6, Ch. 163, L. 2019; amd. Sec. 25, Ch. 261, L. 2021; amd. Sec. 7, Ch. 525, L. 2021; amd. Sec. 6, Ch. 587, L. 2023.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 5. Legislative Branch › Chapter 12. Legislative Finance and Data Analytics Act › Part 3. Legislative Fiscal Analyst › 5-12-304. Employees and consultants

5-12-304. Employees and consultants.
The legislative fiscal analyst may engage personnel and consultants to fulfill the duties of the division within the limits of appropriations for the division. The legislative fiscal analyst may define the duties of personnel engaged and shall fix the salaries of employees in accordance with the rules for classification and pay adopted by the legislative council.
History: En. 43-1116 by Sec. 8, Ch. 448, L. 1975; R.C.M. 1947, 43-1116; amd. Sec. 41, Ch. 545, L. 1995.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 5. Legislative Branch › Chapter 12. Legislative Finance and Data Analytics Act › Part 4. Budget Amendments › 5-12-401. Submission of budget amendments to committee

5-12-401. Submission of budget amendments to committee.
All budget amendments for state agencies must be submitted through the budget director to the legislative finance committee as soon as received by the budget director. No state agency shall expend in excess of its legislative appropriation, which includes a lawfully approved and valid budget amendment.
History: En. 43-1118 by Sec. 2, Ch. 510, L. 1975; amd. Sec. 24, Ch. 309, L. 1977; R.C.M. 1947, 43-1118; amd. Sec. 6, Ch. 536, L. 1983.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 5. Legislative Branch › Chapter 12. Legislative Finance and Data Analytics Act › Part 4. Budget Amendments › 5-12-402. Repealed

5-12-402. Repealed.
Sec. 82, Ch. 545, L. 1995.
History: En. 43-1119 by Sec. 3, Ch. 510, L. 1975; R.C.M. 1947, 43-1119; amd. Sec. 7, Ch. 536, L. 1983.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 5. Legislative Branch › Chapter 12. Legislative Finance and Data Analytics Act › Part 5. Interim Budget Committees › 5-12-501. Interim budget committees

5-12-501. Interim budget committees.
(1) During an interim when the legislature is not in session, the committees listed in subsection (2) are the interim budget committees of the legislature. They are empowered to sit as committees and may act in their respective areas of responsibility.
(2) The following are the interim budget committees of the legislature:
(a) general government budget committee to oversee the budget activities of the department of administration, department of military affairs, department of commerce, state auditor's office, governor's office, secretary of state, commissioner of political practices, department of revenue, department of labor and industry, legislative branch, and consumer counsel;
(b) health and human services budget committee to oversee the budget activities of the department of public health and human services;
(c) natural resources and transportation budget committee to oversee the budget activities of the department of livestock, department of environmental quality, department of agriculture, department of natural resources and conservation, department of transportation, and department of fish, wildlife, and parks;
(d) judicial branch, law enforcement, and justice budget committee to oversee the budget activities of the judicial branch, department of justice, public service regulation, office of state public defender, and department of corrections; and
(e) education budget committee to oversee budget activities related to the Montana arts council, Montana historical society, board of public education, office of public instruction, school for the deaf and blind, Montana state library, and commissioner of higher education; and
(f) long-range planning budget committee to oversee the budget activities related to long-range program implementation issues considered by the subcommittee during the session.
(3) An interim budget committee may refer an issue to an interim committee provided for in 5-5-202 that the referring committee determines to be more appropriate for the consideration of the issue.
(4) If there is a dispute between interim committees and an interim budget committee as to which committee has proper jurisdiction over a subject, the legislative council and legislative finance committee shall consult and determine the most appropriate committee and assign the subject to that committee.
(5) Interim budget committees may not be assigned interim studies pursuant to 5-5-217.
History: En. Sec. 1, Ch. 525, L. 2021; amd. Sec. 2, Ch. 494, L. 2023.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 5. Legislative Branch › Chapter 12. Legislative Finance and Data Analytics Act › Part 5. Interim Budget Committees › 5-12-502. Composition of interim budget committees -- compensation

5-12-502. Composition of interim budget committees -- compensation.
(1) The composition of each interim budget committee is the full membership of the joint budget subcommittee that considers agency budgets consistent with the agency oversight established in 5-12-501 during each legislative session.
(2) Members of the committees are entitled to receive compensation and expenses as provided in 5-2-302.
History: En. Sec. 2, Ch. 525, L. 2021.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 5. Legislative Branch › Chapter 12. Legislative Finance and Data Analytics Act › Part 5. Interim Budget Committees › 5-12-503. Officers of interim budget committees -- vacancies

5-12-503. Officers of interim budget committees -- vacancies.
(1) The presiding officer and vice presiding officers of the interim budget committee shall be the presiding officer and vice presiding officers of the joint budget subcommittee that consider agency budgets consistent with the agency oversight established in 5-12-501 during the legislative session.
(2) If a vacancy occurs on the interim budget committee when the legislature is not in session, a member of the same political party must be appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives, if the member being replaced is a representative, or by the president of the senate, if the member being replaced is a senator. If the member being replaced represents the minority party, the replacement must be made in consultation with the appropriate minority leader.
History: En. Sec. 3, Ch. 525, L. 2021.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 5. Legislative Branch › Chapter 12. Legislative Finance and Data Analytics Act › Part 5. Interim Budget Committees › 5-12-504. Duties of interim budget committees

5-12-504. Duties of interim budget committees.
(1) Each interim budget committee in 5-12-501(2)(a) through (2)(e) shall:
(a) oversee the expenditures included in the budget for the agencies overseen by the interim budget committees established in 5-12-501;
(b) review implementation of new programs by the agencies overseen by the interim budget committees established in 5-12-501 that were approved by the legislature immediately preceding the interim;
(c) review programs discussed in the respective subcommittee during the legislative session;
(d) review quarterly expenditures and budget transactions and compare those transactions to the budget adopted by the legislature;
(e) report budget observations and recommendations to the legislative finance committee at each quarterly meeting; and
(f) forward any recommendations for proposed legislation to the legislative finance committee or relevant interim committee and may not directly request legislation.
(2) Beginning in September of each odd-numbered year, each interim budget committee in 5-12-501(2)(a) through (2)(e) shall meet within the week prior to the quarterly legislative finance committee meetings.
(3) Beginning in September of each odd-numbered year, the interim budget committee provided for in 5-12-501(2)(f) shall meet each December and June within the week prior to the quarterly legislative finance committee meetings to review project status implementation throughout the interim and report budget considerations and recommendations to the legislative finance committee.
(4) The legislative fiscal division shall:
(a) provide staff assistance to the interim budget committees; and
(b) keep accurate records of the activities and proceedings of each interim budget committee.
(5) If an interim budget committee produces a report or receives a report from an agency, the report must also be provided to the appropriate interim committee that has agency oversight over the subject matter discussed in the report.
(6) The legislative finance committee may delegate specific studies or analysis to an interim budget committee and must consider all recommendations for potential legislation.
History: En. Sec. 4, Ch. 525, L. 2021.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 5. Legislative Branch › Chapter 12. Legislative Finance and Data Analytics Act › Part 6. Modernization and Risk Analysis Committee › 5-12-601. Modernization and risk analysis committee

5-12-601. Modernization and risk analysis committee.
(1) There is a modernization and risk analysis committee. The committee shall study the long-term future budget and revenue needs of the state with changing economics and demographics.
(2) The modernization and risk analysis committee is a bipartisan committee consisting of the following:
(a) six members of the legislative finance committee, with three members appointed by the presiding officer and three members appointed by the vice presiding officer of the legislative finance committee; and
(b) four members who are not officials or employees in the executive or legislative branches with two appointed by the presiding officer and two appointed by the vice presiding officer of the modernization and risk analysis committee; and
(c) an interim committee chairperson and vice chairperson of opposite parties as temporary voting members of the committee. The presiding officer of the modernization and risk analysis committee shall invite the two members based on the relevance of at least one of the topics of the upcoming meeting to the subject matter under the jurisdiction of a specific interim committee. If the chairperson or vice chairperson of the interim committee is unable to attend, the chairperson or vice chairperson may designate a member of the interim committee. The interim committee chairperson and vice chairperson must be invited at least 30 days prior to the meeting date.
(3) The legislative fiscal division shall provide administrative staff support and analysis to the modernization and risk analysis committee. The legislative services division may provide research and legal support at the request of the committee.
(4) The modernization and risk analysis committee shall:
(a) use available data and analytical resources to study the past, present, and future costs and revenues of all state and local government entities and other policy areas that affect the future well-being of the citizens of the state of Montana, including but not limited to:
(i) health care;
(ii) human services;
(iii) elementary and secondary education;
(iv) higher education;
(v) pensions;
(vi) public safety and corrections;
(vii) infrastructure and public works;
(viii) programs historically funded by revenue generated from natural resource taxes;
(ix) information technology systems of the state and local government.
(b) issue and, at the committee's discretion, accept invitations to work with interim committees on various data and analytic research projects;
(c) provide direction to the legislative fiscal division on the direction and priorities of data work of the division;
(d) create data sets and models for future analysis by the legislature; and
(e) take affirmative measures to use and disseminate data generated by and for the committee for educating, training, and increasing the competency of the public.
History: En. Sec. 1, Ch. 587, L. 2023.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 5. Legislative Branch › Chapter 12. Legislative Finance and Data Analytics Act › Part 6. Modernization and Risk Analysis Committee › 5-12-602. Modernization and risk analysis committee -- terms -- officers -- compensation

5-12-602. Modernization and risk analysis committee -- terms -- officers -- compensation.
(1) Except for interim committee members invited pursuant to 5-12-601(2)(c), appointments to the modernization and risk analysis committee are for 2 years, and a member of the committee shall serve until the member's term of office as a legislator ends or until a successor is appointed, whichever occurs first.
(2) The modernization and risk analysis committee shall elect one of its members as presiding officer and other officers that it considers necessary.
(3) Members of the modernization and risk analysis committee and invited interim committee members are entitled to receive compensation and expenses as provided in 5-2-302. Public members are entitled to receive compensation and expenses as provided in 5-2-302 and 5-5-211.
(4) If a vacancy occurs on the modernization and risk analysis committee established in 5-12-601 when the legislature is not in session, the new member must be appointed by the same method as the original appointment to complete the unexpired term.
History: En. Sec. 2, Ch. 587, L. 2023.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 5. Legislative Branch › Chapter 13. Legislative Audit Act › Part 1. General › 5-13-101. Title and purpose of chapter

5-13-101. Title and purpose of chapter.
(1) This chapter may be cited as "The Legislative Audit Act".
(2) Because the legislature is responsible for authorizing the expenditure of public money, designating the sources from which money may be collected, and shaping the administration to perform the work of state government and is held finally accountable for fiscal policy, the legislature should also be responsible for the audit of books, accounts, activities, and records so that it may be assured that its directives have been carried out. It is the intent of this chapter that each agency of state government be audited for the purpose of furnishing the legislature with factual information vital to the discharge of its legislative duties.
History: En. Sec. 1, Ch. 249, L. 1967; R.C.M. 1947, 79-2301; amd. Sec. 1, Ch. 91, L. 2007.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 5. Legislative Branch › Chapter 13. Legislative Audit Act › Part 1. General › 5-13-102. Definitions

5-13-102. Definitions.
In this chapter:
(1) "committee" means the legislative audit committee;
(2) "state agency" means all offices, departments, boards, commissions, institutions, universities, colleges, and any other person or any other administrative unit of state government that spends or encumbers public moneys by virtue of an appropriation from the legislature or that handles money on behalf of the state or that holds any trust or agency moneys from any source.
History: En. Sec. 2, Ch. 249, L. 1967; R.C.M. 1947, 79-2302.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 5. Legislative Branch › Chapter 13. Legislative Audit Act › Part 2. Legislative Audit Committee › 5-13-201. Legislative audit committee

5-13-201. Legislative audit committee.
There is a legislative audit committee which is a permanent joint committee of the legislature.
History: En. 79-2303.1 by Sec. 1, Ch. 367, L. 1974; amd. Sec. 25, Ch. 309, L. 1977; R.C.M. 1947, 79-2303.1(1).