HB400

Enact the "Free to Speak Act"

Complete·5/1/25

Montana HB400, the "Free to Speak Act," prohibits public schools and the state from penalizing students or employees for declining to use certain.

Montana HB400, the "Free to Speak Act," prohibits public schools and the state from penalizing students or employees for declining to use certain speech. Specifically, it prevents disciplinary actions against students or adverse employment actions against employees for refusing to identify their pronouns or address others by names or pronouns inconsistent with their sex. The act also allows for a private cause of action for violations, enabling harmed individuals to seek injunctive relief, monetary damages, and attorney fees. The act is effective immediately upon passage and approval.

Included in complete analysis

  • Overview
  • Core Provisions
  • Implementation
  • Impact
  • Legal Framework
  • Critical Issues

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Sponsors

0
1
R
Democratic CaucusRepublican Caucus

Roll Call Votes

28 Yea

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20 Nay

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2 Absent

RD

Calendar

Apr 2, 2025

8:00 AM

Senate Judiciary Hearing

Feb 14, 2025

8:00 AM

House Judiciary Hearing

History

May 5, 2025

House

Chapter Number Assigned

May 1, 2025

House

(H) Signed by Governor

Apr 25, 2025

Senate

(S) Signed by President