Montana National Guard Association

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2013 Legislative Session - MTNGA Watch List in Progress

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A.
HB263 will Continue Apportioning a Fraction of Cigarette Taxes to help fund Montana Veteran's Nursing Homes. Sponsored by Rep Pat Ingraham (R), HD13, Thompson Falls. In the past we supported this measure and it was enacted. This is to continue the funding. STATUS UPDATE 28 March: Passed in committee 10-6, but failed on House floor 22-78. Unsuccessful.

B.
HB49, to Exempt Military Pensions From State Income Taxes. Sponsored by Rep Pat Ingraham (R), HD13, Thompson Falls. This would be a huge benefit to all military retirees living in Montana (not only National Guard retirees).The economic argument is strong. View this HB49 power point presentation to understand the argument and it will provide material for talking points. STATUS UPDATE 28 March: Tabled in House Appropriations Committee. Still alive, but we need citizens to contact committee members and request it be moved to floor for a vote. ACTION NEEDED!

C.
HB 153 will provide Income Tax Credits for Employing and Retaining Veterans. Sponsored by Rep Steve Gibson (R) HD78 East Helena. This bill provides a $100-$1200 tax credit for employers for each eligible employee. MTNGA testified in support at the hearing along with other veterans organizations. MTNGA is working to expand the bill beyond "veterans" and include employer credits for actively serving National Guard members. STATUS UPDATE 28 March: Passed House Appropriations Committee 20-1. Passed 3rd reading on house floor 88-9. Transmitted to Senate Taxation Committee. STILL ALIVE.

D.
SB185, Revises Veterans Preference Hiring Laws. Sponsored by Sen Jon Sesso (D) SD37 Butte. This bill expands the law to guarantee a job interview to eligible veterans along with the preference points already on the books for public employers. STATUS UPDATE 28 March: Transmitted to the House, State Admistration Committee where it passed 19-0. Passed House and Senate! Waiting for the Speaker of the House and Senate President's signature.

E.
SB63, sponsored by Sen Anders Blewett (D) SD11 Great Falls, will provide an automatic $50K death benefit to the beneficiaries of any National Guard Member who is killed while on the State Active Duty or special work status for the state. STATUS UPDATE 28 March: It passed the Senate and the House! Awaiting Governor's signature.

F.
SB 275, Placing Veteran's status on MT Driver's Licenses. Introduced by Sen Ed Buttrey (R) SD 13, Great Falls. The bill provides a means to have VETERAN embossed on the Montana Drivers License. Veterans status for purposes of this bill is determined by Montana Code (180 days or more of active duty, 6 years of service with 3 in the MTNG). This means that a guardsman or ex guardsman, meeting the above criteria but not eligible for retirement, can get this drivers license modification. STATUS UPDATE 28 March: Passed the Senate and House Transportation Committee. Passed second House reading 99-1. In house appropriations committee. STILL ALIVE.

G.
HB 579, to establish a Task Force on Military Missions and Economic Impacts in Montana. Introduced by Rep Roger Hagen (R) HD19, Great Falls. This would set up a formal task force to study and quantify the economic value of the military in Montana. Data could be used to support future legislative initiatives. STATUS UPDATE 28 March: Passed House. Transmitted to the Senate. Referred to the Senate Business, Labor, & Economic Affairs Committee. STILL ALIVE.

H.
HB 592, Provide Military Income Tax Exemptions. Introduced by Rep Bob Mehlhoff (D) HD26, Great Falls. This would provide an exemption for the first $5000 of military pay for Guard members regardless of Title 10 or Title 32 sources of income. View this position paper on HB 592, and you can use this as talking points to help you communicate to your legislator. STATUS UPDATE 28 March:Tabled in House Taxation Committee. Unsuccessful.

State and Territorial Support For Members of the National Guard, the Reserves and Their Families

A Report by the National Governors Association With the Support of the Office of the Deputy Under Secretary of Defense (Military Community and Family Policy)
National Guard 2011 Survey