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Bill Summary · HB 941

Legislative bill overview

HB 941 would modify Montana state finance laws governing how interest earned on American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds is handled and potentially affects the state's coal trust fund. The bill died in the legislative process after missing a deadline for appropriation bill transmittal during the 2025 session.

Why is this important

ARPA interest represents significant federal recovery funds that states must allocate carefully under federal guidelines, and how Montana manages these resources affects budget priorities and compliance with federal requirements. The coal trust fund is a constitutionally protected endowment that funds schools and natural resource projects, making any changes to its treatment consequential for long-term state funding commitments.

Potential points of contention

  • Federal compliance risk: Changes to ARPA fund interest handling could inadvertently violate federal Treasury Department requirements if not carefully structured
  • Coal trust fund protection: Any modification affecting the coal trust fund raises constitutional and policy concerns about protecting dedicated education/resource funding
  • Fiscal impact clarity: Without reviewing the specific fiscal note language, the budgetary consequences and which programs gain or lose funding remain unclear from this summary

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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