Shannon O'brien Voting Record & Scorecard | National Democrat Platform
MT Senator
District: 46 • Democrat
2023 DEM Alignment:
11.54%
Voting Alignment with DEM Platform – by Chapter
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Sen. Shannon O'brien (D-MT-46) earned a 12% National Democrat Platform score for 2023, showing minimal alignment with Democratic Party Platform principles. Shannon O'brien voted on 52 of the 52 substantive bills scored by Dem Platform in 2023. Shannon O'brien represents the 46th District in the Montana State Senate.
Title
Lawmaker Position
HB 170
Senate 2023
1xHB 170Senate 20231x
Reducing Bureaucratic Red Tape and a Politicized Climate Change Agenda by Repealing the State''s Energy Policy.
Against DEMs
This bill repeals the state''s energy policy, which sought to "expand exploration and technological innovation, including using carbon dioxide for enhanced oil recovery in declining oil fields to increase output," while also working to "promote energy efficiency, conservation, production and consumption of a reliable and efficient mix of energy sources that represent the least social, environmental, and economic costs and the greatest long-term benefits to Montana citizens." Support is The Club For Growth Foundation''s position as the free market - not government central planning - is the best mechanism to advance energy development. This measure removes language which unnecessarily drives-up consumer costs in order to advance a politized environmental agenda. With renewable energy only accounting for about 20 percent of the U.S. energy supply, the country must adopt an "all of the above" approach to energy production that balances environmental concerns with the need to provide Americans with the lowest possible energy costs.
HB 212
Senate 2023
1xHB 212Senate 20231x
Providing Pro-Growth Tax Relief Through Broad Business Equipment Property Tax Exemptions.
Against DEMs
This bill increases the business equipment property tax exemption from $300,000 to $1 million. Additionally, the bill stipulates that the first $1 million of market value of class eight property of a person or business is exempt from taxation. Support is The Club For Growth Foundation''s position as this bill helps provide businesses with broad-based property tax relief, which will help spur economic growth.
HB 221
Senate 2023
1xHB 221Senate 20231x
Spurring Economic Growth and Easing Tax Burdens by Reducing the Capital Gains Tax.
Against DEMs
This bill provides a lower tax rate for capital gains through a new system with rates between 4.1% and 3%, depending on income and filing status. Support is The Club For Growth Foundation''s position as this pro-growth measure will incentivize investment and will allow a greater amount of resources to remain in the private sector where they can be re-invested and grow the economy. All state and local tax codes should be constructed in a broadly applied manner with the lowest rates possible for everyone.
HB 226 (Senate Version)
Senate 2023
1xHB 226 (Senate Version)Senate 20231x
Gutting Plan to Pay Off PERS Unfunded Liability to Instead Create a Committee to Study the Retirement System.
With DEMs
The Senate version eliminates the language passed by the House designed to pay off unfunded liabilities by increasing employer contributions to the public employee retirement system. Instead, the Senate version establishes the "Special Select Committee on Public Employee Retirement Systems" to develop a plan for paying off unfunded liabilities. Oppose is The Club For Growth Foundation''s position as this measure removes provisions that were a step in the right direction toward improving Montana''s public employee retirement system unfunded pension liability crisis, which currently has $2.25 billion in unfunded liabilities.
HB 228
Senate 2023
1xHB 228Senate 20231x
Protecting Taxpayers by Prohibiting ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) Considerations in Public Investments.
Against DEMs
This bill prohibits the consideration of nonpecuniary factors for public investments, nonpecuniary defined as "any action taken or factor considered by a fiduciary with any purpose to further environmental, social, governance, or other similarly oriented considerations." Investment strategies based on ESG result in reduced financial returns for taxpayers. Support is The Club For Growth Foundation''s position as all public procurement and investment actions should be based on producing the maximum return and value for taxpayers, not advancing political or social agendas.
HB 241
Senate 2023
1xHB 241Senate 20231x
Protecting Developers from Overreaching Building Mandates which Force Installation of Solar Energy and Electric Vehicle Equipment.
Against DEMs
This bill prohibits the state and local governments from mandating buildings be constructed to include solar panels, related batteries and wiring, as well as equipment for electric vehicles. Support is The Club For Growth Foundation''s position as the free-market - not government - is the best mechanism for advancing energy use in buildings. While some may argue this bill undermines "local control", our founding fathers only recognized three entities within the U.S. Constitution - federal government, state government, and the individual. It is not the role for any level of government to unduly infringe the rights of individuals, therefore making preemption measures, such as this bill, necessary.
HB 284
Senate 2023
1xHB 284Senate 20231x
Hiking Electricity Rates and Placing Residents at Risk of a Boondoggle by Allowing Utilities to Recover Costs of Projects before they are Completed.
Against DEMs
This bill allows electric utility companies in the state to receive "pre-approval" to recover the costs of new power generation projects before they are completed. Typically, utility companies are only authorized to recover costs (increase electricity prices for ratepayers) after a project is in operation to encourage construction in the most efficient and cost-effective manner. Oppose is The Club For Growth Foundation''s position as this bill serves as a blank check for utility companies to enrich themselves at the expense of ratepayers. There have been multiple cases in states such as South Carolina, Florida and Georgia where ratepayers have been forced to pay billions of dollars in higher electricity costs due to boondoggle nuclear power projects. If such a project is not a worthy investment of a utility company or other investors, it is likely not a worthy investment for ratepayers either.
HB 302
Senate 2023
1xHB 302Senate 20231x
Increasing Health Insurance Premiums by Mandating Insurance Companies Cover a 12-Month Supply of Contraception.
Against DEMs
This bill establishes a new health insurance mandate which requires all health insurers in the state that cover prescription contraceptives to cover up to a 12-month supply. Under the bill, the insurer must defer to the prescriber''s recommendation on a specific contraceptive drug, device, or product. Oppose is The Club For Growth Foundation''s position as each and every health insurance mandate or price control on co-payments prevents an individual or business from selecting a plan with just basic or customized coverages to fit their specific needs. As a result, health insurers are forced to only offer costly plans loaded with coverages that most individuals do not need. This can result in lower-income or younger individuals choosing to purchase no insurance plan at all due to the high cost.
HB 313
Senate 2023
1xHB 313Senate 20231x
Expanding Access to Healthcare and Reducing Costs by Allowing Experienced Physician Assistants to Practice Without Collaborative Agreements with Physicians.
Against DEMs
This bill removes the requirement that physician assistants (PA) be supervised by a physician licensed in the state. Instead, the bill allows PAs with fewer than 8,000 practice hours to practice in collaboration with a physician or an eligible physician assistant. PAs with 8,000 practice hours are exempt from the collaboration agreement requirement. Support is The Club For Growth Foundation''s position as this bill regulatory relief results in greater access to healthcare and competition which ultimately drives down costs for patients.
HB 549
Senate 2023
1xHB 549Senate 20231x
Improving Educational Outcomes and Expanding School Choice by Allowing Charter Schools.
Against DEMs
This bill establishes public charter schools, first allowing local school districts the option to create charters and then independent schools down the road if districts don''t apply. Under the bill, charter schools would receive the same per-pupil funding as traditional public schools and be subjected to a charter school performance framework. Support is The Club For Growth Foundation''s position as this bill improves educational outcomes for all students by fostering competition and a market in education, which encourages schools to provide the best education so they can attract parents to enroll their child and receive the associated funding.
HB 556
Senate 2023
1xHB 556Senate 20231x
Reducing Costs and Barriers for Childcare by Exempting Small In-Home Daycare Operations from Licensure.
Against DEMs
This bill exempts small, in-home daycare operations which care for 6 or fewer children from licensing administered by the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, unless they participate in a public subsidy program. Support is The Club For Growth Foundation''s position as this bill helps provide parents with more affordable childcare options by protecting against regulatory overreach.
HB 562
Senate 2023
1xHB 562Senate 20231x
Improving Educational Outcomes Through "Community Choice Schools."
Against DEMs
This bill creates publicly-funded "community choice schools," which would be exempted from numerous requirements imposed on traditional public schools, such as teacher certification requirements. Unlike public schools, these community choice schools would be operated by a governing board, eventually elected by guardians and parents of students attending. The Community Choice School Commission is created under the state Board of Education to authorize and oversee the schools. Support is The Club For Growth Foundation''s position as this bill improves educational outcomes for all students by fostering competition and a market in education, which encourages schools to provide the best education so they can attract parents to enroll their child and receive the associated funding.
HB 569
Senate 2023
1xHB 569Senate 20231x
Improving Montana''s Unfunded Pension Liability Crisis by Adjusting Public Employer Contribution Rates.
Against DEMs
Under current law, public employers pay a percentage of their total payroll for the Judges (14%), Highway Patrol (38.33%), Sheriffs (9.535%), and Game Warden and Peace Officers (9%) pensions. This bill amends the percentage to be based on the actuarial analysis of what would be needed to pay off the unfunded liability. This bill also appropriates $95.6 million to the Highway Patrol, Sheriffs, and Game Warden and Peace Officers pensions. Finally, the bill amends retirement eligibility for new members of the Highway Patrol Officers'' Retirement System and Sheriffs'' Retirement System by requiring 20 years of service and being at least 50 years old (previously, there was no age requirement). Support is The Club For Growth Foundation''s position as this bill is a step in the right direction toward improving Montana''s public employee retirement system unfunded pension liability crisis, which currently has $2.25 billion in unfunded liabilities.
HB 575
Senate 2023
1xHB 575Senate 20231x
Protecting Life by Prohibiting Abortion of Viable Children.
Against DEMs
This bill prohibits the abortion of unborn viable children, except when necessary to preserve the life of the mother. Under the bill, a physician performing the abortion must review and record an ultrasound, with viability presumed at 24-weeks gestational age. Support is The Club For Growth Foundation''s position as all abortions are tragedies and every child deserves the right to life.
HB 648
Senate 2023
1xHB 648Senate 20231x
Growing Government Dependency by Forcing Taxpayers to Subsidize an Even Greater Amount of Childcare Costs under the State''s Best Beginnings Program.
Against DEMs
This bill appropriates $7 million to expand the state''s Best Beginning''s program, which subsidizes childcare in the state for low-income families. The bill raises the income threshold for eligible families under the program from 100% to 185% of the federal poverty level. Under the program, each eligible family makes a copayment based on a sliding fee scale not to exceed 9% of the family''s income and the department pays a rate to a day-care facility based on the child''s authorized enrollment slot. Oppose is The Club For Growth Foundation''s position as this measure further grows government dependency. Instead of forcing taxpayers to pay for the childcare costs of other individuals, lawmakers should advance de-regulatory policies across the childcare industry to lower costs and expand competition. This free-market approach is the best way to make childcare more affordable.
HB 652
Senate 2023
1xHB 652Senate 20231x
Reducing Business Payroll Tax Rates by Lowering Payout Duration Under the State''s Unemployment Benefit System.
Against DEMs
This bill reduces the maximum number of unemployment insurance (UI) benefit weeks from 28 to 24. Support is The Club For Growth Foundation''s position as this measure will reduce costs for businesses as the amount of unemployment benefits that are paid out across the system impacts the payroll tax rate businesses are assessed. This bill serves as a step in the right direction as it is not the proper role of government to run an unemployment insurance system, rather this insurance system should be run through the private sector for businesses and employees who wish to enroll.
HB 676
Senate 2023
1xHB 676Senate 20231x
Strengthening Parental Rights in Schools.
Against DEMs
This bill enforces strong parental rights in schools, declaring that "all fundamental parental rights are exclusively reserved to the parent of a child without obstruction or interference by a government entity." Under the bill, numerous rights are defined, such as the right of parents to choose where their child attends school, the right to consent to all physical and mental health care decisions for their child, and more. Support is The Club For Growth Foundation''s position as strong parental rights in their child''s education are a critical element of a free society.
HB 712
Senate 2023
1xHB 712Senate 20231x
Strengthening Election Integrity by Clarifying That Illegal Immigrants are Prohibited from Voting.
Against DEMs
This bill adds on to the current citizenship requirement to vote, clarifying that illegal aliens are prohibiting from voting in the state. Support is The Club For Growth Foundation''s position as maintaining strong safeguards against voter fraud is a critical aspect of ensuring free and fair elections, an essential component of democracy under our nation''s constitutional republic.
HB 721
Senate 2023
1xHB 721Senate 20231x
Protecting Life by Ending Dismemberment Abortions.
Against DEMs
This bill prohibits dismemberment abortions, known as "dilation and evacuation" abortions, a form of surgical abortion typically used during the second trimester of pregnancy in which a fetus is removed using forceps or similar tools. The bill creates a felony charge for anyone who performs dismemberment abortions and requires suspending a physician or physician assistant''s medical license for at least a year. Exceptions are provided for medical emergencies. Support is The Club For Growth Foundation''s position as all abortions are tragedies and every child deserves the right to life.
HB 819
Senate 2023
1xHB 819Senate 20231x
Fueling Out-of-Control Spending by Appropriating Over $225 Million for "Affordable Housing."
With DEMs
This bill appropriates millions of taxpayer funds to various affordable housing initiatives and programs. First, the bill enacts the Montana Community Reinvestment Plan Act, creating a Reinvestment Plan Account to provide funding to community reinvestment organizations to assist eligible households in purchasing deed-restricted housing. The bill appropriates $50 million in state funds, which must be matched locally. Eligible households must earn between 60 and 140 percent of the median household income for the county or state where they reside. The bill also increases the total amount authorized from the Coal Trust Fund from $15 million to $65 million to provide low-interest loans for multifamily home projects, allocates $6 million for workforce housing in locations with state-owned facilities, and provides $12 million towards workforce housing specifically for employees who work at facilities that house previously incarcerated or behavioral health patients. Lastly, the bill provides $1 million for planning grants to local and Tribal governments for planning and zoning reforms to increase housing supply. Oppose is The Club For Growth Foundation''s position as these spending initiatives go directly against the principles of fiscal restraint and limited government. Instead of growing government and central planning, lawmakers should empower the free market to make housing truly "affordable" by reducing stringent zoning regulations which significantly drive-up housing costs.
HB 862
Senate 2023
1xHB 862Senate 20231x
Protecting Life by Prohibiting Taxpayer Funding of Abortion.
Against DEMs
This bill prohibits the use of public funds for abortion, with exceptions provided in the case of rape, incest, or life-threatening health conditions for the mother. Support is The Club For Growth Foundation''s position as it is not the role of government to promote abortion and force payment from taxpayers to advance abortion (many of whom may have strong religious objections). All abortions are tragedies and every child deserves the right to life.
HB 889
Senate 2023
1xHB 889Senate 20231x
Weakening Property Rights and Driving Up Mobile Home Park Costs Through New Regulations on Landlords.
Against DEMs
This bill amends the Montana Residential Mobile Home Lot Rental Act, creating a litany of new regulations imposed on mobile home park landlords. For example, the bill requires park owners to give 60-days notice before taking actions such as increasing rent or canceling or renewing a lease. The bill also doubles the required notice-of-change of land-use from 6 months to one year, provides landlords a 30-day timeframe to respond to a buyer application, and prohibits landlords from considering the age of a mobile home in determining whether to allow a transfer of a lease to a new buyer. Oppose is The Club For Growth Foundation''s position as this bill weakens property rights and ultimately drives up housing costs for mobile home owners by exposing landlords to greater levels of risk. This bill represents overreach into private contracting agreements.
HB 892
Senate 2023
1xHB 892Senate 20231x
Increasing Election Integrity by Strengthening Protections Against "Double Voting".
Against DEMs
This bill creates new protections against double voting. Under the bill, individuals can''t vote in "equivalent elections" in Montana and in another state, are prohibited from "purposefully" remaining registered to vote in more than one place, and must provide their registration information when registering to vote at their new location. The bill creates a fine of up to $5,000 for any violations and could result in up to 18 months imprisonment. Support is The Club For Growth Foundation''s position as maintaining strong safeguards against voter fraud is a critical aspects of ensuring free and fair elections, an essential component of democracy under our nation''s constitutional republic.
HB 9
Senate 2023
1xHB 9Senate 20231x
Funding Unnecessary Fine Arts Entities Outside of the Proper Role and Scope of Government.
Against DEMs
This bill appropriates taxpayer funds to cultural and aesthetic grants. These appropriations include projects such as historical societies, multiple art centers, theaters, museums, dance associations, and more. Oppose is The Club For Growth Foundation''s position as providing funding for the arts is not a core nor necessary function of the government, rather a role of the private sector through foundations and philanthropy. The state must pursue every available avenue to rein in its out-of-control spending, which, when coupled with the over $185 trillion in federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country.
HB 925 (Senate Version)
Senate 2023
1xHB 925 (Senate Version)Senate 20231x
Reducing Government Tax Cronyism and Central Planning by Limiting the Usage of Tax Increment Financing (TIF) by Localities.
Against DEMs
This bill limits the spending and accumulation of new tax increment revenue by an urban renewal area or targeted economic development district to only the payment of administrative cost, the cost of issuing bonds, and paying the principal of any premium or interest on the bonds. Previously, tax increments could be used for purposes such as land acquisition and building facilities to reduce pollution. Support is The Club For Growth Foundation''s position as government central planning schemes such as tax increment financing should not be deployed in the first place. While lawmakers should completely repeal this market-distorting tax scheme and instead lower tax rates equally for everyone, this measure serves as a step in the right direction to reducing cronyism in the state.
HB 971
Senate 2023
1xHB 971Senate 20231x
Protecting Utilities from Unnecessary and Politicized Government Environmental Reviews Surrounding Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Climate Impacts.
Against DEMs
This bill directs state agencies to exclude greenhouse gas emissions and climate impacts from environmental reviews. The bill is in response to a court ruling that revoked an air quality permit that NorthWestern Energy, Montana''s largest monopoly utility, had secured to build a gas plant in Laurel. Support is The Club For Growth Foundation''s position as this measure helps maintain energy affordability by protecting the oil and gas industry from overreaching and politicized mandates set by unelected bureaucrats that result in higher consumer costs and choke economic growth.
SB 105
Senate 2023
1xSB 105Senate 20231x
Strengthening Property Rights and Maintaining Housing Affordability by Preventing Local Governments from Imposing Rent Controls.
Against DEMs
This bill prohibits local governments from exercising "any power to control the amount of rent charged for private residential or commercial property." Support is The Club For Growth Foundation''s position as rent controls and stabilization are price controls, which distort the free market, lead to shortages, and reduce consumer choice and quality. In the case of housing, fewer homeowners are incentive to rent out their properties, and those that do rarely invest in upgrades or improve quality since they are unable to charge higher rents.
SB 110 (Motion to Advance)
Senate 2023
1xSB 110 (Motion to Advance)Senate 20231x
Hiking Property Taxes on Most Residents by Authorizing Special Exemptions for Seniors.
With DEMs
This bill establishes a "golden years property tax assistance program", exempting qualifying seniors from increases in the assessed valuation of their property. Oppose is The Club For Growth Foundation''s position as while the intent of this bill is noble, all state and local tax codes should be constructed in a broadly applied manner with as low of rates as possible for everyone. This and other tax cronyism schemes merely dilute the tax base which results in higher taxes on all other property owners to make up for the lost revenue. Lawmakers should instead make drastic cuts in spending at all levels of government and provide property tax relief for all property owners.
SB 112
Senate 2023
1xSB 112Senate 20231x
Expanding Access to Healthcare and Lowering Costs by Allowing Pharmacists to Prescribe Medication.
Against DEMs
This bill allows pharmacists to prescribe a drug or device if a patient-prescriber relationship is established through a documented patient evaluation. Under the bill, a pharmacist may only prescribe drugs and devices for certain conditions, such as those that do not require a new diagnosis, are minor and generally self-limiting, or are diagnosed using a test that is waived under federal law. Support is The Club For Growth Foundation''s position as this bill increases healthcare access and lowers costs by providing additional options for individuals seeking treatment.
SB 121
Senate 2023
1xSB 121Senate 20231x
Expanding Economic Growth by Lowering the Top Income Tax Rate from 6.5% to 5.9%.
Against DEMs
This bill reduces the top income tax rate from 6.5% to 5.9%. However, the bill also raises the state Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) from 3% to 10% of the federal credit. Support is The Club For Growth Foundation''s position as, while this bill does shift tax burdens by raising payouts under the state EITC welfare program, it''s a step in the right direction. Ultimately, the bill provides much needed tax relief and expands economic growth by ensuring a larger amount of capital remains in the private sector where it can be better invested.
SB 159
Senate 2023
1xSB 159Senate 20231x
Strengthening Property Rights by Prohibiting Use of Eminent Domain for Certain Recreational Purposes.
Against DEMs
This bill prohibits the use of eminent domain for certain recreational purposes, such as for trails, paths, or other walkways and public parks whose primary purpose is as a trail, path, or connection for trails and pathways. Support is The Club For Growth Foundation''s position as maintaining strong property right protections is an essential component of ensuring a free and prosperous society. Eminent domain should only be utilized as a measure of last resort and for cases of significant general societal benefit.
SB 178
Senate 2023
1xSB 178Senate 20231x
Bolstering Innovation by Protecting Crypto Mining from Government Overreach.
Against DEMs
This bill protects crypto mining from government overreach by establishing that every citizen has the right to mine cryptocurrency at home and every company has the right to set up a commercial mining operation. The bill also prohibits the government from imposing "discriminatory" utility rates on miners or restricting mining operations by utilizing zoning or environmental law and prohibits taxing cryptocurrencies used as a method of payment. Lastly, the bill stipulates that digital assets are private property and are provided the same protection under U.S. constitutional law. Support is The Club For Growth Foundation''s position as it is critical to protect this industry from overregulation as bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies play a crucial role as a safeguard against the reckless policies of the Federal Reserve.
SB 216
Senate 2023
1xSB 216Senate 20231x
Reducing Frivolous Litigation for Alleged "Defective Products" Through New Legal Reforms.
Against DEMs
This bill makes several reforms to lawsuits brought forward over defective products. For example, the bill adds several defenses that manufacturers could claim if they''re sued for damages, such as that a federal or state government agency approved the product before it went on sale or that the user didn''t follow a safety warning attached to the product. The bill would also prevent a lawsuit against a retailer who simply sold a defective product, but didn''t have a role in the manufacture, and generally bars claims that a product is defective if it was first sold at least ten years prior. Support is The Club For Growth Foundation''s position as this bill will help improve the state''s legal and business climate by reducing frivolous litigation brought forward by greedy trial lawyers, thereby reducing legal expenses for businesses, and cutting the caseload on other courts.
SB 228
Senate 2023
1xSB 228Senate 20231x
Protecting Consumer Choice by Preventing Localities from Imposing any Ordinance which Bans Petroleum Fuel and Fuel Appliances.
Against DEMs
This bill prohibits localities from restricting the purchase or use of any fuel derived from petroleum or the installation or use of any vehicle, vessels, tools, or commercial and residential appliances that burn or transport petroleum fuels. Support is The Club For Growth Foundation''s position as this bill helps protect consumers from overreaching and politicized local mandates on energy not favored by the government. Such draconian regulations result in much higher consumer costs and choke economic growth. While some may argue this bill undermines "local control", our founding fathers only recognized three entities within the U.S. Constitution - federal government, state government, and the individual. It is not the role for any level of government to unduly infringe the rights of individuals, therefore making preemption measures, such as this bill, necessary.
SB 276 (Motion to Advance)
Senate 2023
1xSB 276 (Motion to Advance)Senate 20231x
Easing Prevailing Wage Mandates by Eliminating Zone Pay on Public Works Projects that Drive-Up Taxpayer Spending.
Against DEMs
This bill excludes zone pay in the determination of the standard prevailing rate of wages, thereby eliminating zone pay for workers on public works projects. Support is The Club For Growth Foundation''s position as prevailing wage mandates needlessly drive-up taxpayer costs by imposing significant additional costs onto government contractors.
SB 287 (Motion to Advance)
Senate 2023
1xSB 287 (Motion to Advance)Senate 20231x
Strengthening Property Rights by Expanding Protectable Private Property Interests.
Against DEMs
This bill expands what is considered "protectable private property interests" for which compensation may be claimed and awarded when a court finds that the property has been damaged or taken for a public use by means of eminent domain or a regulatory taking. Under the bill, these interests include real property and fixtures, personal property and appurtenances, water rights and water use permits, intangible personal property, and mineral rights. Support is The Club For Growth Foundation''s position as this bill strengthens property rights by ensuring just compensation is provided for property taken or destroyed by the government.
SB 323
Senate 2023
1xSB 323Senate 20231x
Strengthening Property Rights and Combatting Overreaching Zoning Regulations by Allowing Duplex Housing in City Zoning.
Against DEMs
This bill stipulates that duplex housing must be a permitted use on a lot where single-family residence is a permitted use in cities with 5,000 residents or more. Under the bill, zoning regulations on duplex housing cannot be more restrictive than single-family residence regulations. Support is The Club For Growth Foundation''s position as this bill serves as a step in the right direction by combatting overreaching local zoning regulations, thus strengthening property rights. While some may argue this bill undermines "local control", our founding fathers only recognized three entities within the U.S. Constitution - federal government, state government, and the individual. It is not the role for any level of government to unduly infringe the rights of individuals, therefore making preemption measures, such as this bill, necessary.
SB 340
Senate 2023
1xSB 340Senate 20231x
Increasing Health Insurance Premiums by Imposing Price Controls on Insulin Co-Payments.
Against DEMs
This bill places a $35 price control on insurance copayments for insulin products. Oppose is The Club For Growth Foundation''s position as each and every health insurance mandate or price control on co-payments prevents an individual or business from selecting a plan with just basic or customized coverages to fit their specific needs. As a result, health insurers are forced to only offer costly plans loaded with coverages that most individuals do not need. This can result in lower-income or younger individuals choosing to purchase no insurance plan at all due to the high cost.
SB 342
Senate 2023
1xSB 342Senate 20231x
Expanding Access to Trails and Roads by Including E-Bikes in the Definition of Bicycle.
Against DEMs
This bill changes the definition of a "bicycle" to include e-bikes. Support is The Club For Growth Foundation''s position as this measure expands access to public trails and roads by permitting the use of e-bikes on all trails where bicycles are allowed.
SB 348
Senate 2023
1xSB 348Senate 20231x
Improving Montana''s Unfunded Pension Crisis by Eliminating Annual Payout Increases for Newly Hired Public Employees.
Against DEMs
This bill revises pension laws to eliminate the guaranteed annual benefit adjustment (GABA) for new employees in state defined benefit retirement systems. Support is The Club For Growth Foundation''s position as this bill is a step in the right direction toward improving Montana''s public employee retirement system unfunded pension liability crisis, which currently has $2.25 billion in unfunded liabilities.
SB 390 (Motion to Advance)
Senate 2023
1xSB 390 (Motion to Advance)Senate 20231x
Improving Educational Outcomes by Expanding School Choice Through Education Savings Accounts.
Against DEMs
This bill, known as the Equality of Educational Opportunity Act, establishes an education savings account program for parents and students to use to pay for educational expenses such as tuition, fees, and textbooks at a private school or home school. Support is The Club For Growth Foundation''s position as this bill improves educational outcomes for all students by fostering competition and a market in education, which encourages schools to provide the best education so they can attract parents to enroll their child and receive the associated funding.
SB 400
Senate 2023
1xSB 400Senate 20231x
Strengthening Second Amendment Rights by Extending the Validity of Concealed Carry Permit from 4 to 5 Years.
With DEMs
This bill extends the validity of a concealed carry permit from 4 years to 5 years. Support is The Club For Growth Foundation''s position as James Madison and our nation''s other founding fathers understood that the right to keep and bear arms is a crucial individual liberty and protects the citizenry against a tyrannical government.
SB 419
Senate 2023
1xSB 419Senate 20231x
Advancing Government Overreach Through a Complete Ban on TikTok in the State under the Guise of "National Security".
With DEMs
This bill prohibits the operation of TikTok in the state and prohibits the app from being available to download. The bill imposes a $10,000 penalty on TikTok or mobile application stores for "each time that a user accesses tiktok, is offered the ability to access tiktok, or is offered the ability to download tiktok" and an additional $10,000 fine for each day the violation continues. Oppose is The Club For Growth Foundation''s position as, while it may be appropriate to restrict the app from being installed on state-owned devices and networks due to potential security concerns surrounding the app''s connection with China, this draconian measure is a classic example of government overreach under the guise of "national security".
SB 422
Senate 2023
1xSB 422Senate 20231x
Strengthening Individual Liberties and Medical Freedom by Expanding the "Right to Try" to All Patients.
With DEMs
This bill expands the state''s "Right to Try" law. Under current law, terminally ill patients are allowed access to medications and treatments that do not have final FDA approval. This bill expands access to all patients. Support is The Club For Growth Foundation''s position as this measure strengthens individual liberties and medical freedom by ensuring patients and their doctors - not government bureaucrats - are the ones making decisions over treatment and healthcare.
SB 425
Senate 2023
1xSB 425Senate 20231x
Worsening Licensing Mandates for Addiction Counselors by Requiring at Minimum an Associate Degree.
Against DEMs
This bill removes the ability for an individual to be eligible for addiction counselor licensure without a degree if they earn a certification in an addiction treatment program while having met the additional work experience requirements. Under the bill, an applicant must have a minimum of an associate degree from an accredited institution in alcohol and drug studies, addiction, or substance abuse disorders. Oppose is The Club For Growth Foundation''s position as this bill implements yet another barrier to employment that merely serves to restrict competition in the marketplace. Ultimately, the private sector, via certifications, rating systems, and the free market, is much better equipped to provide consumer protection while also ensuring competition and low consumer costs.
SB 467
Senate 2023
1xSB 467Senate 20231x
Protecting Against Local Government Overreach by Prohibiting Local Bans on Short-Term Rentals.
Against DEMs
This bill prevents localities from imposing any ordinances which prohibit short-term rentals or regulate the number, duration, or frequency of rental periods for short-term rentals. Support is The Club For Growth Foundation''s position as this bill strengthens property rights by restricting local overreach. While some may argue this bill undermines "local control", our founding fathers only recognized three entities within the U.S. Constitution - federal government, state government, and the individual. It is not the role for any level of government to unduly infringe the rights of individuals, therefore making preemption measures, such as this bill, necessary.
SB 516
Senate 2023
1xSB 516Senate 20231x
Increasing Health Insurance Premiums by Mandating All Policies Provide Coverage for Fertility Preservation for Cancer Patients.
Against DEMs
This bill, known as the Provide for the Preserving Fertility Act, requires all health insurance policies in the state to provide coverage for standard fertility preservation services when an individual is diagnosed with cancer and the treatment may cause infertility. Oppose is The Club For Growth Foundation''s position as each and every health insurance mandate or price control on co-payments prevents an individual or business from selecting a plan with just basic or customized coverages to fit their specific needs. As a result, health insurers are forced to only offer costly plans loaded with coverages that most individuals do not need.
SB 557
Senate 2023
1xSB 557Senate 20231x
Protecting Natural Resource and Industrial Projects from Frivolous Litigation Brought Under the Montana Environmental Policy Act (MEPA).
Against DEMs
This bill amends the Montana Environmental Policy Act (MEPA) to change how individuals and nonprofits can challenge "an agency''s environmental review". Under the bill, "A challenge may only be brought by a person who submits formal comments on the agency''s environmental review prior to the agency''s final decision, and the challenge must be limited to those issues addressed in those comments." Support is The Club For Growth Foundation''s position as this bill helps protect the natural resource and industrial industry from frivolous lawsuits brought forward by overzealous and politicized environmental activist groups, which increase costs and halt projects, resulting in much higher consumer costs and choking economic growth.
SB 558
Senate 2023
1xSB 558Senate 20231x
Preventing Private Businesses from Setting Their Own Payment Method Policies by Mandating All Retail Establishments Accept Cash.
Against DEMs
This bill mandates that all retail establishments in the state accept cash, with exceptions. The bill creates a maximum fine of $100 per violation. Oppose is The Club For Growth Foundation''s position as this measure infringes private contracting rights while also placing a significant regulatory barrier on "automated marketplaces" and businesses in high-crime areas. While there are legitimate concerns for government attempting to eliminate cash and create its own digital and trackable currency, such issues should be addressed in targeted legislation as opposed to this overreaching mandate that harms businesses.
SB 93
Senate 2023
1xSB 93Senate 20231x
Protecting the State''s Referendum and Initiative Process from Abuse by Increasing Transparency and Ensuring Legality.
Against DEMs
This bill grants the attorney general the ability to review and block proposed ballot initiatives on the basis of their legality and enacts a $3,700 filing fee for proposed ballot initiatives. The bill requires anyone employing paid signature gatherers to register with the state and prohibits initiative sponsors from filing an initiative that is "substantially similar" to one that was defeated within the previous four years. Lastly, the bill prohibits electronic signatures. Support is The Club For Growth Foundation''s position as this measure helps protect the constitutional amendment process from abuse by special interests and other groups that seek to grow the size and scope of government.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Sen. Shannon O'brien's voting record?
Sen. Shannon O'brien (D-MT-46) earned a 12% National Democrat Platform score for 2023, showing minimal alignment with Democratic Party Platform principles. Shannon O'brien voted on 52 of the 52 substantive bills scored by Dem Platform in 2023. Shannon O'brien represents the 46th District in the Montana State Senate.
How aligned is Shannon O'brien with Democratic Party Platform principles?
Shannon O'brien earned a 12% National Democrat Platform score in 2023, showing minimal alignment with Democratic Party Platform principles.
What is Shannon O'brien's Dem Platform score?
Shannon O'brien has a 12% Dem Platform score for 2023.
Where does Shannon O'brien serve?
Sen. Shannon O'brien (D-MT-46) represents the 46th District in the Montana State Senate as a Democrat.