11/17/10-Legislation is already being filed at the state Capitol, six weeks before the Montana Legislature is scheduled to convene. Issues addressed include English-only driver’s licensing, drunken driving and primary seat belt enforcement.
One of six states to hold legislative sessions only in odd-numbered years, legislators in the Treasure State have been busy drafting bills for several months. As of this week, more than 700 bills have been drafted for possible consideration in the upcoming months.
Among the efforts still in draft status would require testing for driver’s licenses to be offered only in English. Sen. Bruce Tutvedt, R-Kalispell, hasn’t finalized the legislation but the issue has been addressed in recent legislative sessions.
During each of the previous two sessions an effort to apply the English requirement to all forms of driver’s licenses, including commercial driver’s licenses, never emerged from committee.
Critics point out that the requirement wouldn’t apply to illiterate English-speaking residents. They also say the effort is hostile to immigrants and could hurt economic development.
Advocates for the English standard say it’s a matter of safety. They doubt it would have any negative effect on a state’s economy.
The Law and Justice Interim Committee voted this fall to pursue several proposals that are intended to reduce the number of minors who drink, strengthen some penalties for drunken driving and simplify prosecution for the crimes.
Montana is one of 23 states identified this week by the National Transportation Safety Board as needing to enact at least three more program elements to address hard core drunken driving.
Supporters say changes are needed because Montana is consistently rated among the worst states in drunken driving statistics. The 2009 death of a state trooper from a drunken driver who was allegedly served 13 drinks in less than four hours is expected to spur action on the issue at the statehouse.
Another safety issue addressed by the NTSB is expected to be considered in Montana. The Law and Justice panel will pursue a requirement for primary enforcement of the state’s seat belt law. If approved, drivers could be pulled over solely for not buckling up.
In addition to the benefit of safety, the state would get a financial boost if the stricter enforcement is adopted. In exchange for tightening their belt rule, Montana could collect incentive money from the federal government.
Other topics lawmakers have shown an interest in addressing include revising laws regarding weigh scales, revising commercial driver’s license provisions, and gross vehicle weight laws on trucks.
All legislation can be considered during the session that begins Jan. 3.