OPERATING GUIDELINES: LEGISLATIVE SESSION 2023
By Cory Lee Ann Shaw MBIA Executive Director
We know the building industry is a diverse industry with many members spread across a large state, and I choose to view this as an opportunity rather than a challenge or problem as has been the viewpoint in the past. Diversity is inherently resourceful, and I feel we have what it takes to bring the best solutions to the table in a time where we need solutions—not problems.
Every Legislative Session brings with it a plethora of information and activity, and we need to establish a clear and effective communication channel that will provide the best information disbursement, as well as a responsive audience that will keep our legislative team well informed and able to communicate effectively with our legislators. I foresee a very busy Legislative Session this year with our key issues being water, attainable housing and development, property tax, workforce development, supply chain challenges, building codes, and growth plans/local jurisdictional issues. I believe that there are opportunities for big and positive changes in all areas we operate, and I feel we can make excellent change if we work together and communicate effectively. The following guidelines are meant to help guide the Association’s activities during the 2023 Legislative Session.
1. LOCAL LEGISLATIVE CONTACTS / COMMITTEE To ensure that each local HBA has a direct role in the weekly bill review process, each local HBA will designate two (2) local legislative contacts to serve as their specific representatives on the MBIA Legislative Committee. These individuals, if possible, should also be members of the MBIA Board of Directors so that there is a direct link and endorsement of all policy positions by a representative body of the MBIA Board of Directors. These individuals shall be appointed by the president of the local HBA or board of each local HBA. These individuals have the ultimate responsibility of representing their local HBA in the industry legislative process. 24
MONTANA HOME EXPERTS 2022
2. DUTIES OF LOCAL LEGISLATIVE CONTACTS / COMMITTEE The local Legislative Committee shall have the direct responsibility to communicate policy decisions and policy questions from MBIA to their local membership in whatever fashion is deemed appropriate by the given local HBA and must communicate talking points and positions back up to the MBIA EO. In some cases, this role may be given to the local EO at the discretion of the local HBA Legislative Committee. The Executive Director needs to know whom to communicate with and the preferred channel of communication.
3.UNIFIED MBIA It is imperative that the industry speaks in one unified voice during the Legislative Session. Once an issue position is adopted by the statewide MBIA Legislative Committee, as detailed below, that position should not be reversed within MBIA or publicly contradicted by any local HBA.
4. LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE MEETINGS The MBIA Legislative Committee will meet periodically during the most active parts of the Session to review current issues and pending bill questions. While the meetings will be open to any MBIA member, all local legislative contacts / committee appointees are urged to attend. Leading up to session starting in July—October the Government Affairs Chair and EO will have monthly calls until the November elections are in, at which time there will be calls with the entire committee to discuss strategy, etc. These committee calls will take place on