AGP Executive Report

Medicaid Fraud Crackdown: Montana DOJ says its Medicaid Fraud Control Unit uncovered more than $1 million in fraudulent claims and filed charges, including cases tied to counselors billing for services not personally provided. Public Lands & Water Rights: A judge paused DNRC’s review of a Flathead Lake water permit for the Yellowstone Club-linked Territory 1889 development, citing insufficient incorporation of public comments and ordering a stay while objections move to district court. Energy Governance: Travis Kavulla, a Great Falls native and former Montana PSC commissioner, was named administrator of the Bonneville Power Administration, setting up leadership for major grid and infrastructure work. Yellowstone Bison Fight: A federal judge heard arguments on whether to pause a lawsuit over Yellowstone’s bison management plan while the NPS completes a supplemental environmental review. Local Accountability: Missoula’s plan to upgrade park security cameras stalled after privacy and data-security concerns sparked a long City Council debate. Elections & Parties: Longtime Montana Democrat Sen. Jonathan Windy Boy entered an eastern district congressional race to replace retiring Rep. Troy Downing, challenging two Democratic newcomers in the primary. Transit Access: Bozeman’s Streamline zero-fare bus system is planning its next decade of route changes ahead of its 20th anniversary, with a focus on ridership and community access. Campaign Finance Reform: A former Montana congressional candidate, Russell Cleveland, is taking a national role with the Transparent Election Initiative to push “Montana Plan” limits on corporate and dark money. State-Federal Policy Clash: A federal judge blocked SNAP “food restriction” limits in five states, ruling USDA lacked authority for the waiver-style approach. Wildfire Liability Rulemaking (Out of State, Policy-Relevant): Hawaii’s PUC is seeking input on rules for a future wildfire liability cap and possible recovery fund under a 2025 law. Regional Legal Pushback on Plastics: Seventeen states, including Montana, sued California over strict single-use plastics and packaging recycling requirements.

Bonneville Power Leadership: Former Montana PSC commissioner Travis Kavulla is tapped to lead the Bonneville Power Administration, a major regional grid and wholesale power operator, as the agency pushes to modernize infrastructure. Montana Party Politics: The Montana Democratic Party approved a two-year moratorium on large data centers and backed stricter environmental review and limits on AI-enabled license-plate capture. Ballot Measures Watch: Montana is on track for multiple November ballot questions after signature deadlines passed, with initiatives aimed at everything from election spending to judicial-related issues. SNAP Fight: A federal judge blocked Trump-backed SNAP “unhealthy food” limits in five states, saying USDA can’t rewrite Congress’s definition of eligible food. Healthcare Fraud Crackdown: DOJ filed charges tied to $6.5B in alleged Medicare/Medicaid fraud involving 455 defendants, including 90 licensed medical professionals. Plastics Act Lawsuit: 17 states and a trade group sued California to stop enforcement of its plastics packaging law, arguing it drives up costs and reaches beyond state lines. Public Land Rule Challenge: Montana sportsmen and conservation groups sued over a Land Board decision to streamline state land swaps without adequate notice and participation.

Plastics Fight: Seventeen states, including Montana, joined a lawsuit to block California’s single-use plastics “producer responsibility” law, arguing it overreaches and could raise costs for businesses and families nationwide. Election Integrity: The ACLU says it will spend $50 million on the 2026 midterms, including paid election workers and monitoring ballot counting and certification in key battleground states. Campaign Finance: New Hampshire Gov. Kelly Ayotte signed a law raising the anonymous donation cap to $200, a transparency-versus-participation debate that could ripple into how Montana voters think about political influence. Montana Public Lands: Wildlife filmmaker Casey Anderson is breaking his “no politics” rule to urge voters to protect public lands, citing Montana survey support for banning transfers of national public lands. Local Impacts: As the Little Bighorn anniversary nears, closures tied to a new visitor center are hitting nearby tourism businesses, including a trading post that says traffic has dropped. Public Health Policy: Montana tobacco-control advocates are pushing for a $2-per-pack cigarette tax increase in the 2027 Legislature. Tech & Security: Trump signed orders to accelerate U.S. quantum computing research and cyber defense, underscoring the national-security stakes of emerging tech.

Multistate Legal Fight: Nebraska AG Mike Hilgers and a 17-state coalition—including Montana—sued to block California’s SB 54 plastics “producer responsibility” law, arguing it delegates fee-setting to a private entity and bars businesses from challenging assessments in court. Local Tech & Privacy: Missoula is set to vote on buying AI-capable security cameras, even as Montana law restricts local governments from using AI facial recognition. Healthcare Policy: A new report says Medicaid and ACA enrollment dropped by more than 5 million over the past year, tied to Medicaid cuts and expiring enhanced ACA subsidies. Montana Courts & Safety: Montana AG prosecutors charged a Sheridan County man with 25 felony counts of sexual assault and drug-related charges involving five juvenile girls. Public Lands & Development: Conservation groups want more time to comment on a fast-tracked Blue Copper mine exploration plan near MacDonald Pass, citing impacts to public land and sensitive waterways. Statehouse & Property: The Hauser Mansion donation is moving forward, but the fate of the governor’s former Carson Street residence remains undecided.

Reproductive Rights & Federal Funding: Sen. Steve Daines says Republicans likely can’t extend a one-year ban on Planned Parenthood receiving federal funds beyond July 5, setting up another high-stakes fight over whether a new budget or reconciliation “vehicle” can keep the funding blocked. Money in Politics & AI Regulation: New reporting finds AI-linked groups pouring money into midterms to shape future AI rules, even as Congress struggles to pass bipartisan legislation. Education Policy: Pennsylvania Democrats advance bills that would cut or restructure school choice scholarships, including major reductions tied to tax-credit programs—an early test of how state politics could reshape education options. Civil Rights & Nonprofit Accountability: The SPLC ended its informant program and released a new report amid scrutiny over past funding of extremist groups, arguing hate has shifted online and into government. Montana & Public Life: Montana Ag highlights a Hamilton nonprofit working to expand access to locally grown food across the state. Local Government & Infrastructure: A Bozeman-area airport authority issued an invitation to bid for a 2026 ARFF truck acquisition.

Public Safety & Health: In Rigby, a local family’s push for life-saving Automated External Defibrillators at sports facilities is gaining traction after their daughter survived sudden cardiac arrest, with community leaders urging more AED access. Water & Growth: A judge paused a Lakeside water permit for a Discovery Land Company resort development (“Territory 1889”), sending the case into administrative review as opponents argue the state misread groundwater availability and impacts on the Flathead Basin. Montana Politics & Governance: Laurel’s newly appointed mayor, Kris Vogele, says he plans to meet Gov. Greg Gianforte over a proposed state forensic mental health facility, warning it could constrain city growth depending on where the state builds. Federal Contract Scrutiny: The Trump administration’s no-bid Reflecting Pool cleanup deal is drawing renewed questions after reporting tied the vendor to Trump-linked figures. Medicaid Rules: CMS finalized Medicaid work requirements, setting expectations for how enrollees must document work, training, volunteering, or education starting in 2027. Defense Tech in Montana: The 101st Airborne Division unveiled an in-house ABE drone during BattleLab 26.2 in Montana, highlighting rapid testing of emerging battlefield tech. Democratic Party Fight: A national look at 2026 primaries finds progressive-versus-centrist faction battles reshaping nominations from local races to major state contests.

Montana Politics: Laurel’s newly appointed mayor, Kris Vogele, says he’ll meet Gov. Greg Gianforte this week over the proposed state forensic mental health facility—while arguing the site could limit residential growth and stressing the city needs land for expansion. Election Integrity: A Montana House candidate complaint alleges AI-altered mailers violated state rules requiring disclaimers for deepfakes within 60 days of an election. Health Policy: The Trump administration’s final Medicaid work requirement rules are out, with states scrambling to update systems ahead of the Jan. 1, 2027 rollout. Public Safety & Tech: The 101st Airborne Division unveiled an in-house ABE drone during BattleLab 26.2 in Montana, highlighting military use of scalable FPV systems. Federal Courts & Policy: A roundup of major assisted-suicide court cases underscores how state-by-state rules keep driving new lawsuits and political fights. Healthcare Costs: A national report says hundreds of hospitals, including several in the Mountain West, missed Medicaid price transparency requirements.

Montana Ballot Fight: The Montana Plan (I-194) is nearing the finish line for the November ballot after supporters turned in nearly 50,000 signatures, with organizers saying they’re close to verified totals and expecting a major pushback this fall. Election Integrity & Voting Access: In Billings, protesters rallied against a Trump executive order directing USPS to filter mail-in ballot delivery, arguing the agency shouldn’t control who gets ballots. AI-Generated Campaigns: A Montana House District 68 candidate says a deepfake-style mailer used her image without a required disclaimer, and she filed a complaint with the Commissioner of Political Practices. Local Governance: Laurel voters will have a new mayor after the City Council selected Kris Vogele following Dave Waggoner’s resignation amid controversy over a state-funded forensic mental health facility. Public Health: The CDC reported measles has spread to 41 jurisdictions nationwide, including Montana, as outbreaks continue. Healthcare Costs Watch: New Medicaid spending snapshots show rising local bills in multiple Montana communities, including Fairfield, Hardin, Kalispell, Ennis, and Miles City.

Montana Ballot Access: Petition deadlines are here, and supporters say Montana voters could see up to three statewide initiatives this fall, including the Montana Plan (I-194) targeting corporate “dark money” in elections after nearly 50,000 signatures were gathered by unpaid volunteers. Election Integrity Fight: In Billings, protesters rallied against a Trump order directing USPS to filter mail-in ballot delivery, arguing it shifts election control to the post office and could affect who receives ballots. AI in Campaigns: A Montana House District 68 candidate filed a complaint after receiving mailers she says used AI-altered deepfakes without required disclaimers under the state’s election AI law. Local Government: Laurel voters chose Kris Vogele as mayor after the resignation of controversial former mayor Dave Waggoner, with the forensic mental health facility plan near the center of the dispute. Public Health: The CDC reports measles has spread to 41 jurisdictions nationwide, including Montana, with three deaths tied to the ongoing outbreak. Environment & Health Policy: In Butte, the EPA raised the Superfund cleanup threshold for lead in soil and attics, drawing skepticism from residents worried about long-term safety. Energy & Land Use: The Interior Department is moving forward on proposed deregulations expanding hunting and sportfishing access on federal lands.

Montana Courts & Public Safety: The state is moving ahead with a 32-bed forensic psychiatric facility near Laurel despite local opposition, with a required Yellowstone County public hearing set for July 9 after residents raised concerns about safety and proximity to an elementary school. Montana Environment & Health: The EPA has raised the cleanup threshold for the Butte Superfund site, a change residents say may not go far enough to protect kids and families. Montana Ballot Politics: Supporters say Montana’s “Montana Plan” (Initiative 194) has cleared signature hurdles for the November ballot, while opponents warn court challenges and severability could alter what voters approve. Immigration Detention Oversight (National, with Montana relevance): Lawmakers are pressing DHS/ICE after suspected overdoses at El Paso’s Camp East Montana, demanding answers on medication access, medical oversight, and accountability. Civic Life: A Missoula-area community debate continues over how to manage a herd of feral horses near Miller Creek, balancing property rights, public safety, and animal welfare. Labor & Elections (National): The UAW has finalized leadership nominations ahead of a consequential fall election. Federal Health Policy: Final Medicaid work-requirement rules are out, with states scrambling to enforce them without losing coverage.

Hospital Price Transparency: More than five years after Montana-area hospitals were required to post prices, a new report says over 500 hospitals nationwide—including four in Montana—still failed to meet the Trump administration’s transparency requirements, keeping costs opaque for patients. School Accountability: A federal jury found Kalispell School District 5 retaliated against a parent after he reported sexual harassment involving wrestlers, a case that puts district discipline and Title IX response under a harsh spotlight. Immigration Enforcement: Human Rights Watch says Trump’s “Metro Surge” in Minnesota created a human rights crisis, with many arrests involving people without prior criminal histories and multiple deaths tied to the operation. Public Participation & Water: A Montana district court halted DNRC fast-track proceedings for a major groundwater pumping permit near Flathead Lake, backing citizens’ right to participate in contested hearings. Public Lands & Bison: Conservation groups are appealing the Trump administration’s decision to evict more than 900 bison from Montana public land, arguing the move is unlawful rule-making. Montana Politics: Alani Bankhead escalated attacks in the U.S. Senate race, urging independent Seth Bodnar to “drop out” after a UM discrimination settlement. Local Governance: Gallatin County set a June 30 hearing on covenant changes tied to a South Fork subdivision request, signaling more development fights ahead.

Montana Senate Race: Alani Bankhead attacked independent Senate candidate Seth Bodnar over a University of Montana gender discrimination settlement, while Bodnar’s campaign pushed back that the case targeted the university, not him. Ballot Politics: The Montana Plan is moving toward the November ballot after collecting nearly 50,000 signatures, with debate continuing over what the initiative would change. Public Lands & Wildlife: The Trump administration repealed a public lands rule tied to conservation priority, and Montana bison removal from federal land continues after grazing permit cancellations. State Fiscal Watch: Montana property tax collections jumped to $179 million in Q4 2025, up 219.6% from the prior quarter, according to Census Bureau data. Environment & Regulation: EPA is defending proposed lead cleanup thresholds in Butte, with a public comment period running through June 30. Government Transparency: A Montana right-to-know complaint alleges the University of Montana ignored a fire safety records request for months. National Guard Policy: U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran is backing federal legislation to streamline National Guard and Reserve duty-status classifications and compensation. Military Readiness: Congress is questioning Air Force combat rescue readiness as HH-60W helicopters are shifted toward VIP transport roles.

Montana Senate Race: A new poll shows Republican Kurt Alme leading by 19 points over Democrat Alani Bankhead and independent Seth Bodnar, with the key issue being vote-splitting among Democrats and independents. Forensic Facility Fight: Gov. Greg Gianforte’s one-word “No” response to Laurel residents’ concerns about a planned state forensic mental health facility is inflaming local opposition as the project moves forward. Election Money Reform: The Transparent Election Initiative says “The Montana Plan” (Initiative 194) has qualified for the November ballot after nearly 50,000 volunteer-collected signatures, targeting corporate influence in Montana elections. AG vs. County Prosecutor: Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen asks the Montana Supreme Court to dismiss a Gallatin County Attorney petition over his supervisory authority, continuing a dispute tied to ICE information-sharing. Public Lands & Bison: Conservation groups are challenging federal actions affecting American Prairie’s bison grazing permits, arguing the policy shift threatens tribal food programs and prairie restoration. Mining & Permitting: Environmental groups are pushing the U.S. Forest Service for more public input on the Blue Copper mine proposal near Helena, citing expedited review concerns. Data Center Labor Deal: A data center developer and a Montana-area union federation announced an MOU, but details remain thin as the project seeks to move toward construction. Civic Support: A Montana nonprofit advocating for abused and neglected children secured county funding, highlighting how local governments are filling gaps left by reduced state support.

Child Welfare Funding: Teton County commissioners approved $3,000 for Front Range CASA/GAL, a volunteer advocate nonprofit, highlighting how reduced state funding leaves harder, more complex cases for court-appointed advocates. Montana Ballot Fight Over Dark Money: Initiative 194 (“The Montana Plan”) is on track for the November ballot after nearly 50,000 signatures, aiming to limit corporate election spending as a workaround to Citizens United—while Hawaii has already signed a similar law. GOP Party Politics: Montana Republicans held a Missoula platform convention, with Chairman Art Wittich pushing a sharper divide between party loyalists and GOP lawmakers who work with Democrats. State Government & Services: Attorney General Austin Knudsen announced July fee waivers for driver license and ID renewals/replacements for people adding America’s 250th citizenship marker. Mental Health Facility Debate: Gov. Greg Gianforte defended the planned Laurel forensic mental hospital as implementing a legislative mandate, despite local opposition and recall efforts. Healthcare Policy: Final Medicaid work requirement rules are out, with states scrambling to enforce them without losing coverage for eligible people. Public Safety & Accountability: A report says immigration detainee deaths doubled since Trump took office, tied to mismanagement concerns at Camp East Montana.

Montana Ballot Fight: Initiative 194 (“the Montana Plan”) is on track for the November ballot after sponsors submitted nearly 50,000 signatures, aiming to ban corporate election spending and redefine who can spend in Montana races. State Courts & Power: Montana’s Supreme Court is set to weigh a fight over Attorney General Austin Knudsen’s authority over county prosecutors, with Knudsen seeking dismissal in the Cromwell v. Knudsen dispute tied to federal immigration information-sharing. Local Immigration Policy: Gallatin County commissioners voted to end the county’s 287(g) agreement with ICE, though they said other cooperation could continue; the move follows months of public pushback and litigation. Public Safety & Mental Health: Montana closed on buying 114 acres in Laurel for a forensic mental health facility and is now asking Yellowstone County to rezone the site, despite strong public opposition. Energy & Data Centers: Environmental groups urged the Montana Public Service Commission to scrutinize NorthWestern Energy’s rate request for future data centers, warning residential customers could face unpredictable higher costs. Economy Watch: A new report says Montana ranks among the nation’s fastest-growing economies since 2021, citing strong real GDP growth and business activity. Wildfire Preparedness: Missoula County is advancing the Wildfire Adapted Missoula project, coordinating across land borders to reduce wildfire risk. Federal Lands & Tribes: A new BLM leadership move is drawing criticism from Indian Country advocates, who warn federal public lands could shift toward sell-off and expanded oil and gas.

Bison on the ballot of power: Conservation groups filed multiple appeals to block the Trump administration’s decision to evict more than 900 bison from central Montana public lands, a move that pits ranching interests against wildlife advocates. Montana Plan momentum: The all-volunteer campaign behind Initiative 194, “The Montana Plan,” says it has nearly 50,000 signatures and is set to qualify for the November ballot, aiming to curb corporate and dark-money influence in elections. Courts vs. venue games: A judge refused to move the youth-led Held v. Montana II climate case to Sidney, keeping it in the original district and rejecting arguments tied to a 2025 venue-transfer law. AG authority fight: Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen asked the Montana Supreme Court to dismiss Gallatin County Attorney Audrey Cromwell’s challenge, calling it political and arguing the Legislature gave him supervisory control. Water and wastewater battles: Pondera County and environmental groups petitioned the EPA over Montana Renewables’ wastewater injection plan affecting the Madison Aquifer, while other groups renewed scrutiny of EPA decisions tied to Montana’s water risks. Workforce and enforcement: A new Montana law (the LEGAL Act) strengthens state tools to address illegal employment and employer verification compliance. Energy jobs under pressure: Sibanye-Stillwater reported staffing stability at its Montana mines despite uncertainty tied to Russian palladium imports and trade rulings. Wildlife policy reversal: The BLM and USDA Wildlife Services lifted the national M-44 “cyanide bomb” ban on BLM land via a memorandum of understanding, drawing renewed alarm from predator-protection groups.