AGP Executive Report

Montana Election Fight: Two longtime lawmakers, Reps. Steve Fitzpatrick and Llew Jones, have sued Montana’s attorney general to block a term-limits ruling that could knock them off the November ballot, with a Helena hearing set for Tuesday. School Funding: The School Funding Interim Commission says it fell short of its HB 153 mandate, criticizing a failure to simplify the school funding formula and a lack of planning for student academic success. Public Safety & Immigration: A county attorney is pushing back against ICE in Montana, highlighting how state and local leaders are navigating federal enforcement pressure. Wildlife Management: Montana’s grizzly management plan comment period is nearing its close, as the state seeks more control over bear removals and relocations. Local Government: Park County is taking public input on a proposed process for citizen-initiated zoning districts to standardize how communities shape land-use decisions. Housing & Courts: Butte-Silver Bow faces a temporary pause in a data-center ballot initiative fight after a judge halted a retroactive signature deadline change. Infrastructure & Water: The Dry-Redwater project is moving into a new phase after a federal authorization bill was introduced, with hearings expected this fall. Military in Billings: Navy Week returns to Billings Aug. 17-23, including Blue Angels performances tied to the Yellowstone International Airshow.

City Budget & Public Safety: Miles City Police Chief Doug Colombik warned the City Council that staffing shortages—driven largely by wages—could soon reduce police coverage, citing two sergeant losses this year and a third expected to resign by late August as the council reviews the 2026-27 preliminary budget for police, dispatch/911, and fire. Water Infrastructure & Federal Action: The Dry-Redwater Regional Water Authority says federal authorization is moving into a new phase after Montana’s congressional delegation introduced matching bills (S.4489/H.R.8745), with committee hearings expected this fall and full votes before year-end. Term Limits Fight: A letter argues Montana’s voters should control term limits as intended by the 1992 constitutional language, pushing back on interpretations that allow legislators to rotate back into chambers. Wildlife Policy: As Montana’s grizzly management plan comment period nears its close, the proposal would shift more responsibility to states for removing or relocating grizzlies without delisting or creating a hunting season. State Government & Schools: Montana State Auditor James Brown joined Land Board colleagues approving $400,532 in new trust-land revenue for schools, including timber sales and easements. Local Land-Use & Services: Laurel residents are pressing a lawsuit over a state plan for a forensic mental health center, arguing environmental review is incomplete and raising concerns about water and sewer connections.

UFO Transparency: The Pentagon released a fifth batch of declassified UAP files, including decades-old records and new video reports, after Trump directed broader declassification. Defense & Security: The U.S. Air Force plans to buy Chinese-made DJI drones for counter-drone training at the Minuteman III nuclear missile base at F.E. Warren, aiming to sharpen detection and defeat tactics. Youth Justice: A growing push to hold parents responsible for kids’ crimes is spreading through state laws, even as experts warn there’s little proof it works. Montana Courts & Insurance: A Montana class action alleges State Farm systematically refuses to pay for pre- and post-repair scans at independent shops, citing a 2024 advisory. Housing & Organizing: In Missoula, tenant unions helped win a 3% lot-rent cap after a Texas owner sought steep seasonal-rental-style increases. Montana Wildlife Policy: Animal groups petition Montana FWP for mandatory bear spray and 24-hour trap checks ahead of hunting season. Energy & Local Economy: GasBuddy reports lowest diesel prices in Lake and Silver Bow counties for the week ending Aug. 8, as fuel costs remain volatile.

U.S. Politics & Transparency: The Pentagon released a fifth batch of declassified UFO/UAP records—41 documents, images and videos spanning 1950 to 2026—after a Trump directive to open more files. Montana Governance & Courts: Two Republican lawmakers sued Montana AG Austin Knudsen over his term-limits interpretation that could remove them from the November ballot, escalating a fight over how the state counts service. Montana Elections: Democrats are trying a “step aside for independents” strategy in deep-red Senate races, but Montana’s Alani Bankhead refused to withdraw, setting up a tougher intra-party clash. Public Safety & Wildlife Policy: Montana FWP faces a push from conservation groups to require hunters and trappers to carry bear spray and to check traps within 24 hours. Housing: In Missoula, tenant unions helped turn steep mobile home lot rent hikes into a 3% cap after a Texas owner sought much larger increases. Energy Costs: GasBuddy reports Montana regular prices averaging $4.24 for the week ending Aug. 8, with several counties seeing single-station lows around $4.19–$4.04. Veterans: Gov. Greg Gianforte honored 12 Montana veterans across western and central counties for continued community service.

U.S. Politics & National Security: The Pentagon released its fifth batch of declassified UFO/UAP records, including new videos and witness accounts dating back to 1950, following a Trump directive to open the files. Montana Wildlife & Public Safety: Animal rights and conservation groups petition Montana FWP to require bear spray for hunters and a mandatory 24-hour trap check, framing it as both public safety and grizzly protection. Montana Courts & Elections: Two Republican lawmakers sued Montana AG Austin Knudsen over a term-limit interpretation that could remove them from the November ballot, setting up a fast-moving legal fight over how the state’s term limits work. Montana Energy & Utilities: Public Service Commissioner Brad Molnar is challenging Gov. Greg Gianforte’s suspension in court, while a separate lawsuit seeks to pause consideration of a major NorthWestern Energy merger. Montana Campaigns: Democrats are backing away from deep-red Senate races in favor of moderate independents, but Montana’s Alani Bankhead says the strategy harms the party long term. Montana Agriculture & Industry: Montana Farmers Union endorsed I-194, arguing it would curb corporate and dark-money influence while keeping real-person political spending protected with disclosure.

Term Limits Lawsuit: Two Montana Republicans sued Attorney General Austin Knudsen over his new term-limits interpretation that could knock veteran lawmakers off the November ballot, setting up a fast-moving court fight over who gets to run. Public Utilities Power Struggle: Public Service Commissioner Brad Molnar asked a judge to block Gov. Greg Gianforte’s one-year suspension while Molnar’s team argues the move was politically timed and disenfranchising. Elections Strategy: Democrats in conservative states are stepping aside to back moderate independents instead of splitting the non-Republican vote, a tactic that echoes Montana’s own Senate race dynamics. Young Voters & the Senate: Montana coverage highlights how young voters could swing the U.S. Senate race, with local groups pushing hard on abortion access, public lands, and economic justice. Campaign Trail: Rep. Troy Downing shared community visits across Montana and renewed focus on rural hospital staffing and national security themes tied to his Afghanistan service. Data Center Ballot Fight: A Yellowstone County judge upheld invalidation of a data-center ballot initiative, while separate Butte-Silver Bow petitioners keep pressing legal challenges over signature deadlines and voter control. Hemp Policy: Montana hemp processors praised a U.S. Senate delay of a THC ban, buying time for a more permanent federal fix. UAP Declassification: The Pentagon released a fifth batch of declassified UFO/UAP records, adding new videos and witness accounts to the national debate.

Montana Politics & Courts: Public Service Commissioner Brad Molnar is fighting Gov. Greg Gianforte’s one-year suspension in Helena, while a separate lawsuit seeks to pause consideration of a NorthWestern Energy merger until the dispute is resolved. Elections & Ballot Access: Montana AG Austin Knudsen’s revised term-limits interpretation is colliding with an approaching ballot deadline, setting up a court fight over whether GOP lawmakers Llew Jones and Steve Fitzpatrick can appear on the 2026 ballot. Campaign Finance Reform: A bipartisan Clarion-area effort, “American Promise,” is pushing a constitutional amendment to curb political money’s influence and tighten campaign spending limits. Energy & Local Governance: Butte-Silver Bow voters may get a say on data center development after a nonprofit sued the county over a changed signature deadline. State Policy Watch: Hemp processors are praising a U.S. Senate delay of a THC ban that would have tightened rules on Montana floral hemp products. Federal/Defense & National Security: The Pentagon released a new batch of declassified UFO/UAP files, adding fresh videos and witness accounts. Public Health: A measles outbreak map shows cases spiking as the Trump administration overhauls vaccine guidance. Rural Montana: Residents in the Seeley-Swan area are exploring whether to split from Missoula County, arguing rural tax dollars aren’t translating into local benefits.

Montana Politics & Courts: Montana AG Austin Knudsen’s new term-limits interpretation is already triggering ballot fights, with Rep. Llew Jones vowing to take the issue to court after the AG told election officials to apply the stricter reading when certifying candidates. Public Service Commission: Gov. Greg Gianforte’s one-year suspension of PSC Commissioner Brad Molnar is headed to a judge, as Molnar asks for a block before Gianforte can appoint a temporary replacement. Local Governance & Elections: Butte-Silver Bow is facing a lawsuit from a data-center petition group after election officials rejected the initiative over a signature deadline tied to a new state law—an effort that would let voters approve or reject data-center development. Rural Self-Determination: In Missoula County’s Swan Valley, residents are weighing a possible split into a new county, arguing rural tax dollars flow to urban priorities. Energy & Economy: Senators Steve Daines and John Curtis push a critical-minerals bill aimed at reducing U.S. dependence on foreign processing. Federal Policy: The Trump administration finalized a major expansion of hunting and fishing access on national wildlife refuges. Public Health: A measles outbreak map keeps expanding as the administration overhauls vaccine guidance, raising concerns about immunity gaps. Privacy & Surveillance: The national debate over Flock traffic cameras continues as the company responds to backlash and privacy concerns.

Montana Senate ballot fight: Montana House Majority Leader Steve Fitzpatrick says he’ll sue to stay on the ballot after AG Austin Knudsen’s term-limit interpretation could force removal of GOP primary winners; Gianforte says courts will likely decide. U.S. Senate race: Kurt Alme says the candidate field is set for a four-way battle—Alme, Alani Bankhead, Seth Bodnar, and Kyle Austin—after Daines’ withdrawal. Legal showdown over bathrooms: A Missoula judge heard arguments in a challenge to HB 121, the 2025 law requiring sex-segregated public restrooms and similar spaces; the ACLU argues it violates privacy and due process. Predator policy for ranchers: Sen. Steve Daines and Sen. Adam Schiff unveiled the Human-Wildlife Conflict Reduction Act to fund nonlethal wolf and bear deterrence like range riders and fencing. Local governance & elections: Prairie County Commission recall efforts face court action after Chairman Todd Devlin sued over a recall petition’s signature process. Environment & health: Missoula’s new heat map highlights “hot spots” tied to shade and greenspace gaps, while FEMA designated 28 counties for winter-storm disaster assistance. Montana business momentum: Secretary of State Christi Jacobsen touts a record 8,000+ monthly business applications. Military & community: Gov. Gianforte honored 12 veterans, and Billings prepares for Navy Week Aug. 17–23.

Montana U.S. Senate: Alani Bankhead says she’s staying in the race through Nov. 3 as Democrats debate whether to back her or independent Seth Bodnar, while Republicans and Libertarian Kyle Austin position for a four-way ballot that could reshape outcomes. Courts & civil rights: A Missoula judge heard arguments in a lawsuit challenging Montana’s 2025 transgender bathroom ban (HB 121), with the ACLU arguing it violates privacy and equal protection. Local government: Prairie County Commission Chairman Todd Devlin sued to block a recall effort by Jacob Kitson, arguing the petition doesn’t meet statutory requirements. State politics: AG Austin Knudsen’s term-limit interpretation could threaten Rep. Llew Jones’ ability to run for the Montana Senate. Business & fraud: Secretary of State Christi Jacobsen issued a cease-and-desist to an out-of-state group using a fake “Form 5102” solicitation targeting Montana businesses. Energy & environment: A ProPublica report raises questions about wildfire aircraft oversight tied to Tim Sheehy’s Bridger Aerospace. Public safety & disaster: FEMA designated 28 Montana counties as natural disaster areas after winter storms, enabling emergency farm loans. Wildfire: The Sand Creek Fire burned into the Maverick Mountain ski area, with firefighters protecting key structures. Tech & sovereignty: Fort Peck Tribes voted to ban discussions with data center developers, citing lack of benefits for the tribe. Elections logistics: Montana officials continue election-season preparations, including poll worker requests.

Montana Elections: A judge issued a restraining order in Butte-Silver Bow over a data-center ballot initiative, pausing the fight over whether petition signatures were submitted by the legally required deadline. Second Amendment & Veterans: Sen. Tim Sheehy is pushing a bill to extend nationwide concealed-carry privileges to “qualified special operators,” building on existing rules for retired law enforcement. Courts & Public Safety: A federal appeals court again rejected a youth climate challenge to Trump fossil-fuel policies, leaving the U.S. Supreme Court as the last stop. Local Government & Ballot Access: In Roosevelt County, a judge ruled sheriff candidate Wesley Headdress ineligible and ordered removal from the ballot over a felony theft conviction. Health & Housing: New Medicaid work rules are raising alarms about people losing coverage and ending up homeless. Wildfire Preparedness: With more fires hitting the region, Montana officials are urging homeowners to take practical steps to reduce wildfire risk. Community Services: Montana’s Heritage Center is rolling out immersive, LED-based exhibits to modernize how state history is taught. U.S. Politics: The Pentagon released a new batch of declassified UFO/UAP files, including fresh videos and reports.

Montana Elections & Courts: Montana AG Austin Knudsen issued a legal opinion that could bar Rep. Llew Jones from the ballot over term limits, adding fuel to a high-stakes U.S. Senate fight. Data Centers & Local Control: A Yellowstone County judge ruled the signature-gathering deadline for a data center initiative passed, effectively ending the effort, while deputies detained data-center petitioner Kassi Solberg at MontanaFair amid voter-suppression concerns. Bison Grazing Lawsuits: American Prairie’s bison permit fight is headed to federal court after BLM revoked grazing permits covering 60,000+ acres, with the group warning it could require culling hundreds of animals. Energy & Environment: West Virginia AG McCuskey leads a multi-state push to keep Enbridge’s Line 5 operating, arguing Michigan can’t unilaterally shut a federally governed pipeline. Wildfires: Gov. Gianforte reported the Sand Creek Fire’s spread, including impacts near Maverick Mountain Ski Area, with evacuation orders in place. Veterans Services: Lewistown’s new VA clinic is set for a grand opening Friday, Aug. 14. National Policy Watch: The Pentagon released a fifth batch of declassified UFO files, and executions remain on the rise with Florida leading.

U.S. Senate Race: Montana Democrats are still rattled after Alani Bankhead refused to quit, keeping the race crowded and fueling accusations of “bullying” inside the party. Local Justice & Public Safety: Yellowstone County leaders renewed pressure for a new jail after the detention center hit 693 inmates against a 434 design capacity, with a November bond and operating levy on the ballot. Water & Utilities: A Montana court backed Longbranch Bar’s permanent right to use a neighboring well, while residents told the Montana PSC that its response to water and energy problems hasn’t fixed the ground-level issues. Environment & Wildlife: Two federal lawsuits challenge a BLM policy revoking bison grazing permits in Montana, and a wolf-management fight continues as critics say FWP’s counting methods and proposed quotas risk driving wolves down further. Government Accountability: A Bulgarian interior minister warned an acting prosecutor general about delays in a road-construction investigation tied to advance payments and procurement. Federal Courts: A U.S. appeals court struck down Biden-era stove efficiency rules, including Montana’s challenge, over improper public-process handling. Privacy & Tech: Billings is using license plate readers for parking enforcement, drawing fresh privacy concerns and ACLU scrutiny. Health Policy: Montana’s Medicaid work requirements could put coverage at risk for people dealing with homelessness and medical barriers. UAP Watch: The Pentagon released a fifth batch of declassified UFO files, including new videos and reports.

U.S. Senate Race: Montana Democrat Alani Bankhead says she will not drop out despite pressure from fellow Democrats, keeping the November 3 ballot crowded with independent Seth Bodnar and GOP nominee Kurt Alme. Wolf Management: An opinion piece argues Fish, Wildlife and Parks’ wolf numbers are unreliable and calls for a moratorium on wolf killing, warning proposed quotas could push wolves toward effective extermination. Federal Courts & Energy Rules: A federal appeals court struck down Biden-era stove and oven efficiency standards, siding with states including Montana over improper rulemaking. Federal Courts & Climate: A youth-led constitutional climate lawsuit tied to Montana was denied further review, leaving the case dismissed. Montana Medicaid: New Medicaid work requirements could jeopardize coverage for homeless and medically vulnerable Montanans, with exemptions and enforcement details under scrutiny. Public Safety & Jails: Former Billings mayor Bill Cole and others push a new Yellowstone County jail, citing long-running overcrowding and urging voters to back a November bond and operating levy. Privacy & Local Tech: Billings’ use of license plate readers for parking enforcement is drawing privacy concerns and questions about oversight. Wildlife & Grazing: Two lawsuits challenge a federal policy revoking bison grazing permits on Montana lands. Gun Policy: Montana is among states backing a court fight that struck down parts of federal firearm registration rules. Aging Policy: The Montana Governor’s Conference on Aging returns in October with workshops on caregiving, dementia, Medicare, and legal/financial planning.

Montana U.S. Senate: The Aug. 10 withdrawal deadline passed with no exits, leaving a three-way race: Democrat Alani Bankhead, independent Seth Bodnar, and Republican Kurt Alme—an outcome that Democrats say was driven by pressure campaigns, but Bankhead and Bodnar both vowed to stay. Democrats’ strategy hits a wall: Montana Democrats’ push to clear the field for Bodnar failed after Bankhead refused to step aside, setting up a likely GOP advantage if the left vote splits. Crow coal land swap: A key Senate committee advanced Sen. Steve Daines’ Crow Revenue Act, a land-and-minerals swap tied to Signal Peak Energy that critics say could sidestep environmental review and ongoing legal fights. Medicaid work rules: Montana’s new Medicaid work requirements have started, but budget experts say the state hasn’t yet provided clear public data on compliance, exemptions, or who may be at risk of losing coverage. Wildfire response: The Montana National Guard is sending a CH-47 crew to Wenatchee, Washington to help with active wildfire suppression. Wind River church protests: Protests on the Wind River Reservation continue over a church dispute, raising fresh legal questions about tribal sovereignty and religious freedom. Energy prices: GasBuddy reports Lewis and Clark County’s lowest premium gas at $4.74 for the week ending Aug. 1.

Montana U.S. Senate: With the withdrawal deadline passed, Democrat Alani Bankhead and independent Seth Bodnar both say they’re staying in the race through Nov. 3, keeping the anti-GOP vote split and raising the odds Republican Kurt Alme holds the seat. Medicaid governance: Montana’s new Medicaid work rules are now in effect, but a key nonprofit says the state hasn’t publicly reported how many people were notified, found compliant, exempted, or deemed out of compliance. Wildlife & livestock policy: Environmental groups filed notice of intent to sue over Forest Service approval of cattle grazing in grizzly conflict areas near Yellowstone, arguing Endangered Species Act violations and inadequate public process. Local public safety funding: Former Billings mayor Bill Cole and allies are pushing a Yellowstone County jail expansion and mill levy for the Nov. ballot amid long-running overcrowding. Federal regulatory fight: Montana’s AG coalition joined others opposing federal overreach in prediction market rules, arguing states should retain control over gambling policy. Climate & disaster backdrop: Wildfires across the West and Canada continue to drive evacuations and smoke, while NOAA reports July 2026 as the hottest month on record.