Senate Scorecard Votes

SB 276 ( Toole )-  Motion to place on 2nd reading.  Clarifies  Public Service Commission authority to approve the acquisition or transfer of a public utility.  It was specifically aimed at the sale of Montana Power Company, and whether the ratepayers are entitled to a portion of the assets.  MontPIRG supports the bill and the motion.  Motion failed 20-30.

SB 512 ( Halligan )- Motion to pass consideration.  This vote killed a very important consumer bill, which creates an energy excise tax.  This would discourage excess profits and protect consumers from profiteering in the energy market.  MontPIRG supports the bill and opposes the motion.  Passed 26-19.

SB 272 ( Toole )- 3rd reading vote.  Extends the sunset for the Universal System Benefits Programs for two more years (to 2005).  It also set 2.4% as a minimum funding level.  USBP include low-income assistance, conservation, and renewable energy programs.  These programs are needed now more than ever.  MontPIRG supports the bill.  Passed 38-12.

SB 508 ( Cole )- 3rd reading to adopt conference committee report.  Creates 10 year tax holiday for new electrical generation.  It specifically targets fossil fuel power plants to receive this corporate welfare, encouraging more highly polluting electrical generation in Montana and excusing them from paying their share of taxes.  MontPIRG opposes this bill.  Passed 35-14.

SB 134 ( Miller )- 3rd reading vote.  Reduces the coal severance tax by 2/3 on coal mined for new electrical generation.  The negative impacts are twofold: It encourages more coal-fired generation, and reducers the coal tax, which is deposited in the coal trust.  MontPIRG opposes this bill.  Passed 28-22.

SB 319 ( Cole )- 2nd reading vote.  Exempts power plants and pipelines of 25 inches or less from review under the Major Facilities Siting Act.  This eliminates public input and environmental review in regards to the siting of new power plants.  MontPIRG opposes this bill.  Passes 33-17.

SB 377 ( Grimes )- 2nd reading vote.  Sets arbitrary time-frames for environmental reviews and public comment under MEPA.  This compromises the ability of agencies to make well-reasoned environmental decisions.  MontPIRG opposes this bill.  Passed 29-21.

HB 473 ( Younkin )- 3rd reading vote.  Establishes that MEPA is merely procedural, and not substantive.  Thus, even if the MEPA process reveals certain risks with a proposed project, state agencies could do nothing unless there is a specific environmental standard violated.  MontPIRG opposes this bill.  Passed 29-21.

SB 397 ( Grosfield )- 3rd reading vote.  This bill would change how signatures must be gathered for public initiatives.  By requiring signatures from _ of the counties rather than 1/3 of legislative districts, it makes signature gathering much more difficult.  MontPIRG opposes this bill.  Passed 34-16.

SB 472 ( Grosfeild )- 2nd reading vote.  Raises obstacles for sponsors of public initiatives.  By expanding the review process, opening initiatives to constitutional challenges (before signature gathering), and inviting lawsuits from opponents?it would seriously undermine public participation through the initiative process.  MontPIRG opposes this bill.  Passed 38-12.

SB 296 ( Doherty ) 2nd reading vote.  Allows candidates to accept or reject the content of political advertisements funded by independent expenditures.  It is drafted to address the negative so-called “issue- ads,” which mar the tone of political campaigns.  MontPIRG supports this bill.  Failed 23-24.

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