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2025 Regular Session Introduced by Michelle Maldonado

HJ 34 publicly backs Montana beef producers, signaling a policy stance and rallying public support; primarily symbolic with no funding or binding obligations.

Left in Rules

Overview

HJ 34 is a joint resolution, introduced November 19, 2024, by Representative Randyn Gregg. Classified under Agriculture (also noting Livestock and Taxation—Agriculture/Livestock), the measure is a formal legislative expression of support for Montana beef producers. It was enacted through the 2025 legislative process and was filed with the Secretary of State on May 6, 2025.

Purpose and intent

The resolution’s primary purpose is to recognize and support Montana’s beef producers — their economic, cultural, and agricultural contributions — and to communicate the legislature’s position on matters affecting the beef industry. As a joint resolution, HJ 34 is intended chiefly as a formal statement or declaration of policy and public support rather than as a direct law-making or funding vehicle.

Key provisions (based on resolution type)

Expresses the Legislature’s support and appreciation for Montana cattle ranchers and the beef industry.

Likely contains “whereas” findings summarizing the industry’s economic impact, rural importance, and challenges (e.g., market access, regulation, taxation, disease control). [Full text not provided.]

May resolve to encourage consumer support for Montana beef, request state or federal action, or urge consideration of policies beneficial to producers (such as regulatory or tax relief). If present, such language is declaratory and nonbinding unless the resolution explicitly directs state agencies or requests federal action.

Note: The actual text of HJ 34 was not supplied here; the above reflects the typical content and effect of a supportive joint resolution.

Who is affected

Primary: Montana beef producers, cattle ranchers, feedlot operators, and allied livestock businesses and service providers.

Secondary: Rural economies dependent on livestock, consumer and retail sectors, and policymakers dealing with agricultural and tax policy.

The resolution itself does not create direct financial obligations or tax changes unless the text contains specific directives.

Legislative actions and timeline (selected)

Introduced: 2024-11-19 (drafting began)

House first reading and committee referral: 2025-03-27 to H. Agriculture

House committee passed: 2025-04-01; House passed 3rd reading: 2025-04-05

Transmitted to Senate: 2025-04-05; referred to S. Agriculture, Livestock & Irrigation: 2025-04-07

Senate concurrence and committee action with amendments: April 2025 (committee concurred as amended 4/22; 3rd reading concurred 4/25)

Returned to House with amendments; House concurred with Senate amendments: 4/29

Enrolled, signed by Speaker and President: early May 2025

Filed with Secretary of State: 2025-05-06

Legal and practical effect

HJ 34 is principally symbolic and declarative. Absent language that creates an appropriation, statutory change, or binding directive to an agency, the resolution communicates legislative intent and can shape public debate or support requests for future policy or administrative action. For exact operative language and any specific requests (e.g., to state agencies or federal officials), consult the enrolled bill text.

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