MT SB401

Prohibits state agencies from adopting or amending rules that include definitions already codified in the Montana Code Annotated; agencies may only incorporate statutory definitions by citation to existing statute.

Allows agencies to create new definitions in rules only for "clarification" purposes, and requires the agency to propose legislation including that definition to the appropriate interim committee before the next legislative session.

Requires agencies amending existing rules to strike all definitions currently in those rules and replace them with citations to statutory definitions.

Declares it an infringement on legislative power for agencies to revise definitions already codified in state law when administering laws enacted by the legislature.

Effective date: July 1, 2025.