Secretary of State Polls Legislators to Vote on Veto Override of Senate Bill 442

After a legal battle and delays spanning nearly a year, the Montana Secretary of State has officially issued the veto override poll to legislators for Senate Bill 442.
 
This comes more than 10 months after Governor Greg Gianforte vetoed the bill before giving lawmakers the constitutionally mandated opportunity to override the veto, sparking months of litigation surrounding the veto and legislative process.
Now it’s time for our legislators to have their say and vote on whether to overturn the Governor’s veto of this common-sense legislation that garnered support from 130 out of 150 legislators during the 2023 Legislative Session. 

“Senate Bill 442 will have a transformative impact on all Montanans—improving wildlife and landscapes while supporting veterans and rural communities,”  said Frank Szollosi, Executive Director of the Montana Wildlife Federation. “Hunters, anglers, and landowners will be able to tap $30 million for habitat improvements, representing the largest investment in conservation in over four decades. Respectfully to the 130 legislators who supported this vital bill almost a year ago, ‘Stick to your guns.’ The next 30 days will impact what makes Montana, Montana, for the next 30 years.”

HELP ENSURE THE PASSAGE OF SENATE BILL 442:

 

Please take a minute to contact your legislators and urge them to support Senate Bill 442!

Here’s where you can look up your legislator, and find their email.

Email your legislator using this template:

Subject: Please vote YES on Senate Bill 442

I live in [insert city], and I am asking you to support the override of the veto on Senate Bill 442. This legislation benefits every single Montanan, along with many other important things in Montana like county roads, veterans, mental health services, public lands access, and much more. I am asking you to vote YES on the Senate Bill 442 veto override and finally make it law. 

Montanans put aside their differences to work together to build SB 42 alongside Senator Lang and many of you in the Legislature. The unwavering dedication to those people and the policies within SB 442 deserve your continued support. 

I realize the session ended long ago, but 130 out of 150 legislators voted for this less than a year ago and now that you have the opportunity to support this legislation again that support . I sincerely ask you to vote yes on the SB 442 veto override and encourage your colleagues to do the same.

Willowcutting EA Square 580 × 320
Senate Bill 442 would set aside funding for conservation, including money for increased work on water infrastructure and noxious weed management, as well as habitat improvements on public land.

We know many of you have already reached out to your legislators and appreciate all of the work that has gone into getting this bill to the point it’s at. Now, it’s a crucial time for the fate of this bill, and they need to hear from each and every one of us.

Investing in conservation is an investment in our future, and your involvement can make a difference in securing funding for conservation and supporting our communities. Senate Bill 442 provides an opportunity to lay the groundwork for continuous funding that will protect our natural heritage for generations to come.

As a reminder, Senate Bill 442 would:

1.) Provide permanent property tax relief for disabled veterans and their widowed spouses. 

2.) Maintain funding for wildlife management and critical recreation infrastructure, like state parks and trails. 

3.) Enhance Montana’s conservation tools by allowing for increased work on water infrastructure and noxious weed management, as well as habitat improvements on public land.

4.) Ensure that our county roads have the funding to keep us headed to the forests, prairies, rivers, and lakes, while rural Montanans get the kind of roads they need to deliver crops and cattle, get to the hospital, or if needed – have first responders come to you. 

Make A Difference

Your generous donation supports Montana Wildlife Federation’s work conserving our wildlife, wild places, and hunting and angling opportunities for current and future generations.

Jeff Lukas – MWF Elk Campaign Manager

Jeff Lukas

Conservation Director

Jeff Lukas is a passionate conservationist who has been fishing and hunting his entire life. Whether it’s floating a small stream chasing trout, pursuing elk in the high country, or waiting in a blind for ducks to set their wings, Jeff is always trying to bring more people afield to show them what we are trying to protect. He loves being in the arena, and he will never shy away from conversations about the beautiful and unique corners of Big Sky country.