Montana Legislature
Legislative Record
2025 Montana Legislative Session — 69th Legislature
Representative Sidney "Chip" Fitzpatrick, House District 42
The Montana Legislature meets in regular session every two years. The 2025 session was the 69th Legislature. Representative Fitzpatrick served on the House Transportation Committee and the House Fish, Wildlife & Parks Committee. The complete official record of all bills, votes, and committee activity is maintained by the Montana Legislature.
Medicaid Expansion — Continuation
Summary
HB 245 continued Montana's Medicaid expansion under the Affordable Care Act, extending health insurance coverage to low-income adults who would not otherwise qualify for traditional Medicaid. Montana first expanded Medicaid in 2015; this bill continued the program.
Final Status
Passed and signed into law.
Why This Issue Matters
Medicaid expansion provides health coverage to tens of thousands of low-income Montanans, including many in rural and tribal communities. It affects access to primary care, mental health treatment, substance abuse treatment, and emergency care. Rural hospitals also benefit from reduced uncompensated care costs.
Middle School Career & Technical Education Funding
Summary
HB 357 provided funding for Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs at the middle school level, allowing younger students to explore career pathways in agriculture, trades, business, health occupations, and technical fields.
Final Status
Passed and signed into law.
Why This Issue Matters
Montana employers across industries face workforce shortages. Exposing students to career pathways earlier can improve workforce readiness and help rural communities develop a pipeline of skilled workers in fields like healthcare, trades, and agriculture.
Possession of a Stolen Firearm
Summary
HB 493 addressed the criminal offense of possessing a stolen firearm in Montana, clarifying and strengthening provisions related to firearms that have been reported stolen and providing law enforcement with clearer statutory authority.
Final Status
Passed and signed into law.
Why This Issue Matters
Stolen firearms are frequently connected to other criminal activity. Addressing their possession is part of a broader approach to firearms-related crime in Montana communities.
Youth Court Reforms
Summary
HB 332 made changes to Montana's Youth Court system, which handles cases involving juvenile offenders. The bill addressed procedures and provisions within the Youth Court Act, balancing accountability with rehabilitation and prevention.
Final Status
Passed and signed into law.
Why This Issue Matters
Early intervention through the youth court system can reduce the likelihood of juveniles progressing to adult criminal involvement — an important consideration for communities dealing with youth crime and substance abuse.
Single-Stair Housing Reform
Summary
SB 213 addressed building code requirements related to stairwell configurations in multi-family residential buildings. Single-stair construction can allow for more efficient building designs and potentially lower construction costs, reducing regulatory barriers to housing development.
Final Status
Passed and signed into law.
Why This Issue Matters
Housing availability and affordability affect workforce recruitment, young families, seniors, and community growth. Reducing regulatory barriers to housing construction is intended to support housing development over time. This bill does not guarantee lower housing prices.
Parking Requirement Reform
Summary
HB 492 addressed minimum parking requirements for residential and commercial development. Minimum parking mandates can increase the cost of housing development and reduce the amount of land available for housing units.
Final Status
Passed and signed into law.
Why This Issue Matters
Reducing or eliminating mandatory parking minimums is a housing development strategy intended to lower construction costs and allow more housing to be built on available land. This bill does not guarantee lower housing prices.
Property Tax Reform
Summary
HB 231 was a major property tax reform bill that addressed the classification and taxation of different types of residential and commercial property. It established different tax rates for primary residences, long-term rentals, second homes, short-term rentals, and commercial properties.
Final Status
Passed and signed into law. Montana Department of Revenue has published implementation guidance.
Why This Issue Matters
Property taxation affects homeowners, renters, landlords, farms, ranches, businesses, and local governments. The new structure provides reduced rates for primary residences and qualifying long-term rentals compared to second homes and short-term rentals.
Property Tax — Additional Provisions
Summary
SB 542 addressed additional aspects of Montana's property tax structure as part of the 2025 legislative session's broader property tax reform effort. For complete details, consult the Montana Department of Revenue and the official bill text.
Final Status
Passed and signed into law.
Why This Issue Matters
Part of Montana's comprehensive 2025–2026 property tax overhaul, which significantly changed how different types of property are taxed across the state.
Voting Data
Working Across Party Lines
95%
Voted with majority Democratic position
67%
Voted with majority Republican position
According to the Montana Free Press Capitol Tracker, during the 2025 Legislature Chip voted with the majority Democratic position on 95% of votes he cast and with the majority Republican position on 67% of votes he cast.
Many legislative votes receive bipartisan support, so these statistics should be understood as voting data, not proof of ideology. A vote that aligns with both parties' majorities is counted in both percentages. The numbers reflect the reality that much of the work of the Montana Legislature involves bills that pass with broad support across party lines.
Complete Official Record
The bills listed above represent key votes on issues relevant to House District 42. The Montana Legislature maintains a comprehensive public database of all legislative activity, including all bills sponsored, committee assignments, floor votes, and hearing records. To find Representative Fitzpatrick's complete voting record, visit the Montana Legislature website and search for "Fitzpatrick" or "House District 42."