Former legislators could immediately become lobbyists under legislation from Sen. Greg Hertz, R-Polson. Under Montana law, state legislators, elected state officials, department directors, appointed state officials, and members of elected official’s personal staff are not allowed to be licensed as lobbyists if they’ve served in any of those positions over the previous two years. Senate Bill

A bill seeking to change automatic classification of large tracts of land as agricultural land failed in the House on Thursday, March 20. House Bill 27, brought by Rep. Sherry Essmann, R-Billings, would have introduced an application process for agricultural classification and a review process for properties already considered agricultural land. The bill targeted properties that claim

Paddlefish anglers will see a host of new changes in the Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks 2025 fishing regulations targeted at maximizing paddlefishing opportunities, while also looking to sustain the fishery for years to come. Among the major changes to this year’s paddlefish regulations are that hooks must be barbless or pinched and only one treble hook per line is allowed for snagging. In

The state Department of Corrections confirmed to Montana Free Press Wednesday that Montana State Prison Warden Jim Salmonsen, who was on leave from his position for 47 days starting Jan. 14, reassumed his role on March 3. The department has not released a public announcement of Salmonsen’s return. Department spokesperson Carolynn Stocker declined to comment on the reasons for Salmonsen’s leave