Albert Olszewski in MT legislative records

On Abortion: Voted YES that insurers have plans with and without abortion

Gov. Bullock rejected a bill by Sen.C.Smith that would have required health insurers that offer coverage plans that include elective abortions to also provide a reciprocal plan that does not cover elective abortions. Bullock said the proposal could leave women without coverage options necessary for unforeseen events. "SB 349 would create additional administrative burdens and costs for insurance companies," Bullock wrote.

Legislative Summary: An act requiring an issuer who offers health insurance coverage that includes elective abortion coverage to also sell health insurance coverage that does not include elective abortion coverage.

Governor's Veto Message: I stand firmly opposed to restrictions on a woman's ability to make deeply personal medical decisions in consultation with her medical provider, family members, and spiritual leaders.

Rep. Olszewski voted YEA on April 11, 2015; vote was 54-42-4

Source: Great Falls Tribune on Montana voting records for SB 349 Apr 30, 2015

On Abortion: Prohibit abortions after the fetus is 24 weeks

Among the bills proposed by Olszewski include Senate Bill 282, which was amended in the House and passed third reading in the Senate. It prohibits abortions after the fetus is 24 weeks and violations are a felony. He said the bill ensures that a woman in late pregnancy who has a life-threatening health condition that forces her to terminate her pregnancy does so with the safest medical procedures available and have the ability to save the life of the child and herself. Source: Great Falls Tribune on Montana voting record SB 282 Apr 11, 2017

On Foreign Policy: Ban use of Shariah law and other foreign laws in courts

Gov. Bullock vetoed a bill that would have banned Sharia and other foreign laws from being used in Montana courts. Bullock said he was disturbed that the ban could have been seen as an "endorsement for anti-Muslim sentiments and activity."

"It cannot be seriously denied that the bill is drawn from 'Sharia law bans' that have been tried in other states. The intent of these bills is to target a particular religion and group of people for disfavored treatment," Bullock said, adding that the proposal could add to the "nationwide surge in hate crimes."

"I don't see how affirming our Constitution does that. I disagree with him," said Sen. Keith Regier (R-Kalispell). He and other backers argued that the measure aimed merely to declare support for U.S. and Montana law. They rejected contentions that the bill was anti-Islamic or xenophobic.

Legislative Outcome: Passed House 3/21, 56-43-1; passed Senate 2/3, 27-21-1; Sen. Olszewski voted YES; vetoed by Governor Bullock, 4/6/2017

Source: The Missoulian on Montana voting record SB.97 Feb 3, 2017

On Health Care: Voted NO on insuring the working poor with federal dollars

Gov. Bullock in State of the State speech said, "Rep. Noonan and I are proposing a uniquely Montana plan--based upon the popular Healthy Montana Kids Plan--that will extend coverage to tens of thousands of Montanans. The Healthy Montana Plan will bring our federal dollars back to Montana, to cover those without insurance.

Rep. Olszewski voted NAY on Committee Report vote, March 10, 2015 (bill failed 41-59-0)

HB 249 Legislative Summary: A bill for an act entitled: "an act creating the Healthy Montana Act to expand health care coverage to additional individuals and improve access to health care services; establishing a health care coverage program to provide certain low-income Montanans with access to health care services using Medicaid funds and an arrangement with a third-party administrator; providing support for health care delivery across Montana; and establishing a special revenue account.

Source: laws.leg.mt.gov on 2015 Montana voting records: HB 249 Jan 28, 2015

The above quotations are from Legislative voting records for Montana House and Senate. Click here for other excerpts from Legislative voting records for Montana House and Senate. Click here for other excerpts by Albert Olszewski. Click here for other excerpts by other Governors.
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Page last updated: Nov 26, 2023