AGP Executive Report

School Safety & Guns: Parents at Billings’ Broadwater Elementary pressed district leaders after a man previously arrested in a similar gun incident was seen again across from the school, with the district canceling recess and police involved in planning for safer sightlines. Montana Politics & Courts: A federal judge blocked Montana’s AI deepfake election-ad law, citing First Amendment problems, adding to the state’s growing legal fight over election-related speech rules. Election Law in the Courts: A 26-state GOP-backed Supreme Court brief led by Alabama’s attorney general argues states should control voter qualifications and voter-roll maintenance, challenging limits tied to the National Voter Registration Act. Prediction Markets: Montana and Kalshi agreed to end their federal lawsuit, with the state dropping claims and not pursuing enforcement against Kalshi’s prediction-market contracts. Public Lands & Recreation: Reporting highlights a Trump push to flip national-forest trail rules from “closed unless designated open” to “open unless designated closed,” a major shift for off-road access. Wildlife Management: Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks officials say bear conflicts are spiking in places like Red Lodge, driven by food shortages, and they’re under pressure as more bears are killed. Federal Immigration Oversight: A judge ordered release of 24 people unlawfully held in Cascade County detention, while lawmakers say federal officials have blocked full oversight access at ICE facilities. Trade & Jobs: Montana’s economy is strong, but officials stress the next hurdle is workforce skills and support, not just job growth.

Immigration Courts in Montana: A federal judge ordered the release of 24 people held in Cascade County, saying warrantless arrests and detention without proper findings were unlawful, as Upper Seven Law continues filing more release petitions. Montana Election Rules & Money: A state senator is pushing a bill to bar companies and unions from election spending, echoing broader fights over corporate influence in Montana’s 2026 ballot landscape. AI, Deepfakes, and Speech: A judge blocked enforcement of Montana’s AI “deepfake” campaign law, citing First Amendment concerns, while another ruling limits AI labeling requirements in political mailers. Data Centers vs. Local Control: Montana’s “Right to Compute Act” is tying county hands as residents push back on a proposed Broadview data center, raising questions about what local governments can regulate. Freedom of Information: The Montana Freedom of Information Coalition honored a Missoula journalist and a Bozeman attorney for major wins expanding public access to government records. National Media & Antitrust: Critics say California’s settlement clearing Paramount’s Warner Bros. deal won’t protect jobs or competition, fueling the next antitrust fight.

Montana Election Law: A federal judge in Helena blocked Montana’s new AI “deepfake” political ad law, saying the disclaimer rules likely violate the First Amendment and can’t be enforced as written. Campaign Finance & Democracy: Montana’s push to limit corporate money in elections keeps moving, with new attention on how dark money and ballot rules shape who gets heard. Water & Local Government: Cascade County commissioners approved a bulk water rate change effective Jan. 1, 2027, aiming to cover rising operating and maintenance costs. Public Land Contracting: A new analysis says contractors for public land agencies took a $1.3 billion hit, with small businesses hit hardest after policy shifts. Energy, Tech & Power Demand: Coverage highlights how AI data centers are driving electricity questions, while Montana-linked debates continue over data center impacts. Legal & Governance Watch: The week also included a look at how limited donor recourse can be when universities or nonprofits ignore restricted gift terms.

Montana Election & Courts: Montana voters are being asked to weigh constitutional changes tied to nonpartisan judicial elections and a stronger right to initiative and referendum, with the full text of CI-132 and CI-133 published ahead of the Nov. 3, 2026 general election. Campaign Finance & Democracy: A separate Montana push targets dark money in elections, arguing corporate spending distorts citizen-led politics. AI Governance & Speech: A federal judge blocked enforcement of Montana’s AI campaign ad law, while other rulings keep tightening the line between regulation and First Amendment protections around deepfakes. Local Government & Accountability: A Montana public forum invites residents to discuss affordability and election-year pressures across party lines. State Policy & Environment: Montana’s stream access supporters gathered to recognize progress on water and access protections. Business & Community Fallout: In Lincoln, suppliers and former workers say Hi-Country Snack Foods left them unpaid and unresponsive, raising questions about oversight and accountability in Montana’s food supply chain.

Montana Election Law & Courts: Montana’s Constitutional Initiatives CI-132 and CI-133 are published for the Nov. 3, 2026 ballot, including a proposal to keep judicial elections nonpartisan and a broader “right to initiative and referendum” framework aimed at protecting ballot-issue processes from government interference. Campaign Finance Reform: Supporters of I-194, the “Montana Plan,” are pushing voters to curb corporate “dark money,” arguing that money in Montana races has surged from small sums to massive totals and that disclosure is the point. AI & Deepfakes: A federal judge blocked enforcement of Montana’s AI campaign-ad law, adding to a growing legal fight over deepfake election rules and First Amendment limits. Local Governance & Airports: Flathead County’s Planning Board again delayed a state-required airport ordinance—now 20 years overdue—warning that continued stalling could invite litigation. Environmental Cleanup: EPA and Gov. Greg Gianforte highlighted progress at the Columbia Falls aluminum Superfund site, with remediation expected to wrap up around 2029. Data Centers Backlash: Montana’s broader debate over data centers continues as national reporting notes widespread public opposition and local moratorium efforts, with critics citing energy, water, noise, and environmental impacts.

Montana Politics & Courts: A federal judge in Helena blocked Montana’s AI “deepfake” political ad law, ruling it likely violates the First Amendment and can’t be enforced against a PAC challenging the statute. Elections & Money: Montana’s I-194 (“Montana Plan”) is drawing fresh attention as supporters argue it would force more transparency about corporate “dark money” in state campaigns. Local Economy & Jobs: Montana’s unemployment rate held steady at 3.2% in August, with employment edging up and the state still below the national rate. Superfund Cleanup & Development: Gov. Greg Gianforte and EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin praised progress at the Columbia Falls Superfund site as cleanup and new development move ahead. Campaign Tech & Privacy: Montana lawmakers are also pushing privacy changes tied to license plate recognition and camera use, reflecting growing concern over surveillance tech. Environment & Wildlife: Wildlife crossings get renewed attention as a practical way to reduce animal-vehicle collisions, with Montana highlighted among the states facing higher risk. Public Policy Debate: Data centers remain a flashpoint, with Montana communities and national voices arguing over energy, water, and local impacts.

Superfund + Housing in Columbia Falls: Gov. Greg Gianforte and EPA chief Lee Zeldin toured the former Columbia Falls Aluminum Superfund site as cleanup moves into a new phase, while a 78-acre plan would bring 400+ housing units and future commercial development to the property. Courts + Immigration Detentions: A federal judge ordered the release of 24 people held unlawfully by federal immigration officials in Cascade County, after earlier rulings found warrantless arrests and detentions violated constitutional process. Montana Elections + AI Deepfakes: A federal judge blocked Montana from enforcing its AI deepfake campaign-ad law against a political group, citing First Amendment concerns over how the statute targets speech. State Government Oversight: Montana lawmakers heard audit recommendations aimed at tightening procurement rules, with auditors saying standard competitive bidding mostly holds up while alternative methods need improvement. Rural Access to Justice: Judges told the Montana Bar board that eastern Montana’s lawyer shortage is slowing cases and worsening outcomes for families and children. Public Safety + Detention Facility Scrutiny: New reporting on Camp East Montana 911 calls highlights incidents involving security staff and a riot response, feeding pressure on federal detention operations. Historic Preservation: Five Montana properties are set for review for the National Register of Historic Places.

AI & Elections: A federal judge blocked Montana’s 2025 election deepfake law, ruling it likely violates the First Amendment after complaints over AI-altered pride-themed mailers. Direct Democracy: Montana and Missouri are pushing constitutional amendments to protect citizens’ right to initiatives, aiming to counter years of ballot-access hurdles. Campaign Finance: Supporters of I-194 (the Montana Plan) held a Billings Q&A that turned awkward when the opposing side didn’t show, underscoring the fight over corporate political spending. Voter Access: Gallatin County is bringing back a mobile voter registration unit for late registration and ballot services ahead of the Nov. 3 election. Public Lands & Water: Stream access advocates gathered to defend Montana’s 1985 Stream Access Law, while conservation groups are pushing back on DEQ’s proposed shift away from numeric water-quality nutrient limits. Courts & Policy: Montana’s motion to drop its Yellowstone bison lawsuit was approved, moving the dispute toward a new phase. Local Governance: Yellowstone County’s first phase of a major data center project is underway, despite strong public opposition.

Healthcare Refunds: President Trump announced $500 Obamacare refunds for nearly 1 million Americans in 30 states, including Montana, tied to alleged Biden “user fee” overcharges. Election Integrity & Money in Politics: Montana’s push to ban corporate spending in elections (I-194, The Montana Plan) is drawing fresh attention, with a Billings Q&A featuring major backers and critics arguing over how the measure would work. AI in Campaigns: A federal judge in Helena limited enforcement of Montana’s “deepfake” campaign disclosure law, raising the odds of more AI-altered political ads while the state weighs next steps. Voter Data Scrutiny: Montana lawmakers say they still have questions after subpoenaing the secretary of state about what voter-file subject headers were shared with the U.S. Department of Justice. Local Government & Privacy: A Kalispell license-plate reader camera installation sparked public backlash and renewed debate over surveillance safeguards. Public Safety: Cascade County detention staffing shortages prompted operational changes affecting ICE/CBP detainees and city-court inmate limits. Environment & Development: DEQ approved the first lots for Territory 1889, a luxury Flathead Lake development, clearing key water and sewer infrastructure steps. Tribal Affairs & Fire: The Davis Coulee fire near Crow Agency was reported 20% contained, with evacuation preparedness notices lifted for some areas.

AI Campaign Rules Clash: A federal judge in Helena limited enforcement of Montana’s SB 25 “deepfake” disclosure law, saying it likely violates free speech—setting up a fight over how much AI political ads must disclose. Election Info for Voters: The League of Women Voters is launching VOTE411.org on Sept. 22 to help Montanans compare candidates and ballot issues ahead of the Nov. 3 general election. Higher-Ed Fraud: A new Legislative Audit Division report says UM’s Missoula College lost $673,745 to a federal “ghost student” enrollment scheme, with money later returned to the government. Public Safety Staffing Strain: Cascade County’s detention center is making emergency changes after staff resignations, including limits on City Court inmates and transfers for ICE/CBP detainees. Healthcare Costs Pressure: Montana’s state employee health plan is projected to run short, with big cost increases scheduled for January 2027, prompting union pushback. Montana Politics & Money: A viewpoint argues Montana should tighten rules on dark money via I-194, aiming to force clearer donor identities. Yellowstone Bison: Montana and the federal government moved to dismiss a lawsuit over Yellowstone’s bison management plan. Veterans Housing: Montana received $14.5 million in new VA housing grants for veterans at risk of homelessness.

Montana Elections & Money in Politics: A Reuters report spotlights Montana’s November ballot fight over a first-in-the-nation push to bar corporate election spending, framed as a workaround to Citizens United and a test case that could spark another Supreme Court showdown. Data Centers & Local Power: Montana Free Press-Rutgers Eagleton polling finds nearly three-quarters of registered voters oppose new data centers, with the issue shaping how people weigh candidates. Bison Grazing on Federal Land: A federal judge temporarily blocks a BLM rule that would remove 900 bison from American Prairie allotments, keeping the grazing fight alive as Montana Republicans press Interior for changes. Tribal & Water Protection: CSKT and other leaders gathered for a transboundary mining conference on contamination threatening U.S.-Canada waterways, with Lake Koocanusa cited as a key example. Public Safety & Courts: The Montana Supreme Court upheld a deliberate homicide conviction in a Kalispell home-invasion shooting, despite trial errors raised on appeal. State Policy & Privacy: Montana lawmakers are also weighing stronger privacy rules around license-plate recognition and camera use, as surveillance tech debates heat up. Health Care Politics: The White House announced $500 Obamacare refunds for nearly 1 million Americans in states including Montana, citing Biden-era exchange “user fees.”

Campaign Finance & Elections: Montana voters will decide this November on a ballot initiative aimed at barring corporate election spending, a strategy designed to sidestep Citizens United and potentially set up another Supreme Court fight over “dark money.” Privacy & Surveillance: A Montana lawmaker is pushing to strengthen privacy rules around license plate recognition cameras, after local backlash to a Kalispell installation highlighted how quickly these systems can spark public anger. Healthcare Policy: The White House says it will issue $500 Obamacare refunds to nearly 1 million Americans in 30 states, including Montana, tied to alleged overcharges from federal exchange “user fees.” Public Safety: A deadly Gallatin County crash is now tied to a cannabis DUI charge, spotlighting how Montana enforces THC impairment limits. Tech, Power & Local Land Use: A proposed Yellowstone County data center faces broad public opposition, while a regional power-planning draft warns the Northwest grid may need far more electricity—driven largely by data centers—without clear certainty on how much. Courts & Governance: Flathead judges clash in a nonpartisan Montana Supreme Court bid, with the race framed as a broader statewide fight over judicial role and campaign funding. Federal Military: The U.S. advances the LGM-35A Sentinel missile program, with assembly completed and first test flight projected for 2027. State Elections Administration: Montana’s absentee ballot envelope printing deadline has passed, as officials weigh uncertainty tied to Trump’s mail screening plan.

Obamacare Refunds: The White House says it will send $500 refunds to nearly 1 million Americans in 30 states, including Montana, tied to alleged Biden-era “user fee” overcharges on federal ACA exchanges. Elections & Dark Money: A Montana ballot initiative would bar corporations and unions from funding elections, positioning the state as a potential Supreme Court test case. Montana Courts & Voting: Billings activists praised a Supreme Court ruling that rejected a Trump executive order changing how mail-in ballots are processed. MMIP Push for Federal Action: Montana AG Austin Knudsen testified to Congress that jurisdictional limits on tribal lands block state law enforcement, urging lawmakers to cut “red tape” and boost resources. Yellowstone Bison Lawsuit Dropped: Montana and the federal government agreed to dismiss a lawsuit over Yellowstone bison management, allowing a new federal review to proceed. Local Housing Politics: Whitefish City Council addressed a grievance involving the Whitefish Housing Authority’s placement process. Public Safety & Privacy: A Montana Senate candidate’s ad targets Flock surveillance cameras, calling for federal limits on the tech. Small Schools Under Strain: Salmon Prairie School in Lake County closed to non-operational status, highlighting pressures on tiny Montana districts.

Yellowstone Bison Fight: Montana and the U.S. moved to dismiss the state’s lawsuit over Yellowstone’s bison management plan, with federal officials pointing to a supplemental environmental review and Montana dropping its challenge as tribes and conservation groups urged parties to move on. Tribal Justice: Montana AG Austin Knutsen testified to Congress on the MMIP crisis, pressing lawmakers to cut jurisdictional red tape so tribes and local law enforcement can act. Election Administration: Montana’s Missoula County says the Nov. 3 election will be “business as usual” after the Supreme Court rejected Trump’s mail-in ballot restrictions. Campaign Finance: A proposed Oregon constitutional amendment would limit corporate political spending, echoing Montana’s own ballot fight over dark money and election spending. State Government Scrutiny: Montana Secretary of State Christi Jacobsen pushed back on a legislative subpoena tied to voter-roll information shared with the DOJ, calling it “political theater.” Local Safety & Health: Haven’s Bozeman hotline calls surged as services expand, while Montana’s VSO is scheduled to be on duty in Browning to help veterans access benefits. Energy Costs: GasBuddy reports show some of the week’s lowest Montana prices in multiple counties, alongside a planned electric supply-rate decrease Oct. 1.

Health Care & Elections: The Supreme Court rejected the Trump administration’s request to implement a new USPS mail-in ballot rule, leaving lower-court blocks in place and raising timing concerns for state and local election officials. Federal Money & Montana: The White House says nearly 1 million Americans in 30 states, including Montana, will get $500 Obamacare overcharge refunds tied to federal exchange “user fees.” Montana Politics & Privacy: Montana Senate candidate Seth Bodnar escalated the Flock Safety fight with a shotgun-at-camera campaign video, feeding a broader backlash over automated license plate readers. Local Government & Immigration: Helena City Commissioners delayed a roughly $53,000 Homeland Security grant for building security cameras after public testimony warned it could pull the city into federal immigration enforcement. Environment & Energy: Montana DEQ secured a $28.7 million payment for reclamation costs tied to the Montana Tunnels Mine bankruptcy. Rural Economy: Montana farmers warn that the Trump-Canada trade fight is adding new costs on top of fuel and fertilizer pressure. Statewide Governance: Montana Secretary of State Christi Jacobsen pushed back on a legislative subpoena seeking details on what voter-roll data her office provided to the DOJ. Public Safety/Health: A Cookeville company recalled potentially contaminated alfalfa seeds that were shipped to wholesalers including in Montana. Campaign Trail: A Glendive forum drew 11 candidates across six races, with questions ranging from courts to data centers. Policy Debate: Op-eds renewed the fight over making daylight saving time permanent, arguing it would disrupt rural life. National Politics: California Gov. Gavin Newsom told CNN he wouldn’t run for president in 2028 if Kamala Harris runs.

Montana Federal Politics: A Montana Free Press-Rutgers Eagleton poll shows Aaron Flint (R) and Sam Forstag (D) in a dead heat for the Western District House seat, with Libertarian Nick Sheedy at 5% and a notable share undecided. Election Law: Democratic House candidate Brian Miller dropped his lawsuit challenging independent Michael Eisenhauer’s petition signatures after a scheduling mix-up, even as authorities investigate potentially fraudulent signatures tied to Eisenhauer and independent Senate candidate Seth Bodnar. Surveillance & Privacy: Independent Senate candidate Seth Bodnar escalated the Flock Safety fight with a campaign video blasting a camera, pushing the debate over automated license plate readers and AI-driven monitoring into the spotlight. State Government & Environment: Montana DEQ is proposing to shift crematorium oversight from an air permit to a new registration program, aiming to reduce paperwork while keeping emissions rules clear. Public Access Deal: A $29.3 million conservation easement secures year-round hunting and fishing access on about 20,000 acres of private timber land in northwest Montana. National Health Policy: The White House announced $500 Obamacare refunds for nearly 1 million people in 30 states, including Montana, tied to alleged federal exchange overcharges. National Politics: California Gov. Gavin Newsom told CNN’s Jake Tapper he won’t run for president in 2028 if Kamala Harris enters the race.