Abolition of Montana death penalty to be debated, voted
Hey savvy news reader! Thanks for choosing local.
You are now reading
1 of 3 free articles.
There is incredible energy in the capitol during the session. It’s truly the people’s place. This week the gatherings rose to a hubbub among the marble walls, with standing-room-only hearings on major life and death issues.
• Montana’s death penalty - abolish or not?
The old Supreme Court chambers filled up early on Tuesday for the hearing on the bill to abolish Montana’s death penalty, replacing it with life imprisonment without parole. The Judiciary committee passed it 7-5. Next, it hits the Senate floor where we’ll debate and vote. There have been mass postcard mailings in support of the bill, but a person’s individual comment makes a deeper impression on me. Just a sentence or two expressing yourself is important to me. My contact information follows my letter to you.
• Right to die
From 6 a.m. until late morning Wednesday, witnesses again filled the old Supreme Court chambers to testify in the Senate Judiciary committee on the right to die. Montana’s Supreme Court ruled it legal on Dec. 31, 2009, but it does not appear in Montana’s statutes, posing a dilemma. Not surprisingly, Senators Hinkle (R) and Blewett (D) presented opposing viewpoints. Oregon and Washington are the only other states to allow assisted-suicide.
• Workers’ Comp
A Senate workers’ compensation bill drew a large crowd to my Business, Labor and Economic Affairs committee hearing. Montana is burdened by high workers’ compensation rates which hamper business and job creation. This is truly a jobs bill, and we have made it a priority for economic policy. A House bill crafted by Scott Reichner of Bigfork passed; and we are considering elements of Senate Bill 243. Our goal is to reduce work comp rates to employers without reducing needed benefits to injured workers. Each bill includes emphasis on safety training to avoid injury in the first place. Montana is the Treasure State, and treasure comes in many forms, one of which is its work force.
• Medical Marijuana
The House passed a bill to repeal the Medical Marijuana Act but there have been other approaches to consider. Senate Bill 154 sets licensing fees, similar to Colorado. Lobbyists and the public have been very vocal; the solution is clear; calling for regulatory sideboards. Senate President Jim Peterson wrote, “the abuse of the voter-passed initiative in 2004 is undeniable, as we’ve heard in committee hearings.” It may not surprise you that medical marijuana has brought more witnesses to the capitol than any other issue.
• Parental notice of an abortion
Impassioned testimony was heard by the Judiciary committee on whether or not to require parental notification prior to performing an abortion on a minor. No vote yet.
• U.S. Senator Tester visits
We joined the House for Senator Tester’s address on Friday. He celebrated emerging enterprises in Montana, our valuable mineral resources, and ticked off some infrastructure projects, thanks to the stimulus monies that he voted for. Partisan topics tend to put the damper on the enthusiasm in this Republican majority body. But to get us clapping again, the speaker only needs to mention returning the management of wolves to Montana.
Coming up: bills on Eminent Domain–Economic development versus private property rights.
Keep your cards, calls and emails coming. I value your input. Carmine Mowbray, Senate District 6, P.O. Box 200500, Helena, MT. 59620, clarity@cyberport.net, (406) 444-4795
In parting, I’d like to say welcome home, Lance Cpl. Tomy Parker.
