The University of Montana employs a full-time lobbyist during the legislative session.  Bill Johnston, Executive Director of the Alumni Association, has been the lobbyist for the past two sessions and will continue in the position for the 2007 session. 

The University of Montana has developed a sophisticated process to monitor legislation, to provide a comprehensive review of legislative or administrative proposals of interest to higher education, and to keep our institution apprised quickly and regularly of legislative or administrative activities that could potentially impact our operations.

We compile and maintain our own automated communications and legislative information systems connecting us with other institutions, as well as the general public, on legislative developments.  The system allows for daily tracking of legislation and keeps the lobbyist and support staff notified of all important dates and actions on a particular bill.  This allows anyone to independently monitor bills through our web site.

Each legislative day, a meeting is held between the Montana University System (MUS) lobbyists and legislative staff assistants to discuss legislative developments and trends in the context of possible impacts on our institutions.

When institutions of higher education face national, state, or local challenges, mobilization of an effective campaign is often deemed essential to overcome such challenges.  The University of Montana is prepared to organize professional, effective campaigns utilizing our Legislative Liaison Network.  The Liaison Network is comprised of UM Alums throughout the state, and from various MUS campuses.  These Alums have volunteered their time to be available to contact national, state, or local elected officials regarding legislation deemed to impact our institution.   If you would like to become a member of our Legislative Liaison Network, please contact the UM Alumni office at (406) 243-5211.
 

Legislative Links

2007 Legislative Session

2007 Bill Tracking Information

State of Montana Web Site

Montana Invests Home Page

Montana University System Home Page

Montana Legislative Web Site

-          Montana Code Annotated - 2005

-          2005 Legislative Session

-          2003 Legislative Session

-          2002 Special Legislative Sessions

-          2001 Legislative Session

Montana Secretary of State's Home Page