Governor kills tort reform bill
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I got a bitter taste of veto today when I learned the governor killed HB 531 – which I carried through passage in the Senate. It was one of several tort reform bills. It would have reduced repeat lawsuits in a civil case, such as a medical malpractice where a doctor, a surgeon and a hospital are multiple defendants. By the time a bill passes committee hearings, both houses of Legislature (with or without amendments) and makes it onto the governor’s desk, it’s been through the chute several times. After all that, to have it turned into hamburger sure seems like a waste.
Parental notice prior to abortion – The Senate passed SB 97 amending the requirement that a minor up to age 18 seeking an abortion must provide 48 hours notice to her parent/guardian; the “bypass” provision now includes youth or justice court in certain cases.
Montana 24/7 Sobriety Program – At first this House bill by Kalispell Highway Patrolman Steve Lavin seemed a little intrusive, but other DUI deterrents have not been very effective. After compelling debate about its effectiveness in other states, we passed it 41-8.
Prescription drug registry gets a step closer to reality. We heard from many proponents for a system to curb prescription drug abuse. This bill will give pharmacists a tool to stop a person from obtaining multiple prescriptions for powerful drugs that often find their way to the black market.
Farm to School food program has many benefits – SJ 19 connects K-12 schools and local farms. The objective is to bring healthier meals to cafeterias and improve student nutrition and bolster local agriculture, health, and nutrition education. A real winner for our community.
7 percent solution – Updated numbers from the non-partisan Legislative Fiscal Division reflect a 7 percent reduction to state spending, although we've restored funds to various programs. We in the majority are firm in our commitment to honor the state Constitution on the balanced budget requirement.
Dynamics of lame-duck administration – Because our governor is terming out, we can expect more posturing for his future beyond the second floor of our Capitol. We are working hard bringing forth tort reform; we’ve passed jobs bills that have been controversial. We legislators have taken heat for unpopular budget cuts that needed to be made. This governor is charming in front of a camera, and likes to publicize good ideas. As I’ve said before, it doesn’t matter who gets credit if good policy comes out of this session – once it’s over, everyone will forget whose talking points, bent ears, fingerprints and shoe leather brought the bills to the executive’s desk. www.carminemowbray.com, Carmine Mowbray, Senate District 6, P.O. Box 200500, Helena, Mont., 59620 carminemowbray@gmail.com (406) 444-4795
