Montana’s Democratic legislative leaders have asked that the Legislature’s new special counsel investigate reports that Republican Attorney General Austin Knudsen used his office to “harass and intimidate” medical staff at St. Peter’s Hospital over their treatment of a Covid-19 patient.
Republicans and Democrats reflect on the 2021 Legislative Session
Last updated 5/3/2021 at 11:47am
Gov. Greg Gianforte held a press conference Friday to give a recap of the Montana Legislature’s accomplishments in advancing the agenda its Republican leadership shares with his administration, in the wake of Democratic leaders also discussing the session the previous day. Gianforte said with Republicans in control of the Legislature and executive branch they’ve seized the opportunity to make the state more competitive compared to its neighbors by lowering taxes and increasing exemptions for businesses, especially on equipment taxes, as well as simplifying the state tax code.
Montana lawmakers wrapped up the 2021 regular session here Thursday – but not without a technical glitch, delays on an aborted marijuana bill and some parting, partisan barbs.
Republican Gov. Greg Gianforte on Monday signed three bills to limit access to abortion in the state.
The bills Gianforte signed ban abortions after 20 weeks gestational age, require a woman be informed of the option to view an ultrasound before an abortion and require informed consent before a drug-induced abortion.
Gianforte is the stateâs first Republican governor in 16 years and campaigned on an agenda that included limiting access to abortions in the state. Legislation similar to the bills Gianforte signed into law Monday have advanced in past sessions but were vetoed by past Democratic governors. There were many who served in this building before us who champion the unborn, people who worked hard to advance the cause of life, Gianforte said during a bill-signing ceremony outside the Capitol on Monday. Unfortunately, their efforts were vetoed. But not today.