Meet Great Falls Republican Senator Daniel Emrich
Great Falls Senator Daniel Emrich sponsored SB 381 which directs the Montana Department of Natural Resources Conservation (DNRC) to sell certain public lands. The bill allows people who have lived in Montana for at least ten years to purchase up to five acres of certain state lands to be identified by DNRC.
Emrich pitched his proposal as one way to provide affordable housing and to raise state revenue at the same time. After the committee hearing, where numerous questions were raised which Emrich could not answer, he punted to the DNRC, saying that the agency would have broad rule making authority which would fix any problems that came up. Deferring to administrative rule making is common among legislators who are poorly prepared to advocate for their own bills.
The Poorly Prepared Senator
Emrich’s bill drew immediate opposition from tribal governments, conservation organizations and others. During the hearing it became apparent the bill was poorly thought out and raised many questions which could not be answered by Emrich or the staff of DNRC. Follow this link to watch the full hearing. https://citizenportal.ai/Search/View?dp=1&key=2415978-5d89fc62191832280e209a7897242cbb&start=744&end=1698
No Supporters So The Bill Died (Thankfully)
No supporters testified on behalf of Emrich’s bill. Several days after the hearing, the committee voted unanimously to table (kill) the bill.