Zoning laws aimed at incentivizing home construction have survived a legal challenge. The Montana Supreme Court ruled they are constitutional.

Gov. Gianforte says one of his top priorities before leaving office is to pass a flat income tax rate. The state’s healthy budget has supported tax cuts in recent legislative sessions, but revenue growth is slowing.

Montana is falling far short of best practices when it comes to paying for school maintenance. That’s according to a new nationwide report on school facilities. The message from Montana’s school maintenance directors to lawmakers is straightforward: “We need help.”

New analysis from Montana legislative staff shows the state’s share of school budgets has gone up in dollar amount over the last two decades. But due to inflation, the value of that money has stayed almost exactly the same as it was in 2008.

Montanans charged or convicted of crimes in the state often face barriers finding a job and housing, long after their cases have closed. And the internet creates a permanent record. The state is looking at ways to change that.

Amid internal strife at the Montana Public Service Commission, a legislative committee will study reshaping the state’s utility oversight board.

A state senator pleaded not guilty Thursday to an official misconduct charge over a no-bid contract he awarded to a longtime colleague in 2024. The case is now headed for a jury trial.

One former, and two current state senators are challenging a new property tax policy in court. Around 80% of residential property owners saw tax relief last year under the policy. The lawsuit amplifies a fracture between Republican lawmakers.

A law that went into effect this school year requires volunteers at public schools to have their fingerprints taken. Schools generally support the policy, even as some bear a big new expense — $20,000 per month, in the case of Missoula schools.

State prosecutors say Sen. Jason Ellsworth abused his power when he awarded a no-bid state contract to a longtime friend and colleague.