Amanda Curtis in MT legislative records

On Abortion: Oppose "ministries" outside of birth control insurance law

Summary by The Montana Post, May 25, 2018: Under SB181, reproductive health care options can be refused in the same manner Hobby Lobby refuses to cover birth control for their employees. The Democratic State Auditor's office noted the measure would strip consumers of health insurance protections under state insurance law and prevent the agency from investigating complaints.

Governor's Veto Message, Apr/5/13 : SB 181 creates a loophole in the insurance code for any entity calling itself a "health care sharing ministry." By exempting these ministries from the same regulations governing other insurers, SB 181 opens the door to fraud and abuse. It would distort the charitable purpose of health care sharing ministries and leave Montanans vulnerable.

Legislative outcome: on 2/22/13: Passed Senate 31-18-1; on 3/20/13: Passed House 58-39-3; Rep. Curtis voted NO; Vetoed by Gov.Bullock 4/5/13.

On Civil Rights: Repeal criminalization of gay sex under state law

Analysis by The Atlantic: Under Montana's state legislation, gay sex, [before this bill, was] a felony punishable with up to 10 years in jail and a $50,000 fine. SB 107 would change the definition of "deviate sexual relations" in the state--a full 16 years after the state Supreme Court ruled that the language criminalizing gay sex as unconstitutional--and no longer lump in gay sex as the same kind of crime as having sex with an animal.

The bloc of 36 Republicans want to keep the law in place: "Sex that doesn't produce people is deviant," says Rep. Dave Hagstrom. Rep. Jerry O'Neil, who also voted against the bill, said. "If some 2nd-grade teacher wants to introduce her lover to the kids, there isn't anything that the school board can do to stop that."

Legislative Outcome: Passed Senate 38-11-1 on Feb/20/13; Passed House 64-35-1 on Apr/10/13; State Rep. Amanda Curtis voted YES; Signed by Governor Steve Bullock on A

On Energy & Oil: Disclose state property energy efficiency on website

• WHEREAS, state government is a significant owner and operator of buildings in Montana and a major consumer of energy; and
• and WHEREAS, the energy-efficient operation of state facilities should be a highly visible model for citizens, businesses, industries, and local governments;
• Disclosure of energy performance [via a] state property energy performance website administered by the department.
• The website must allow a person who has internet access to use the website without paying a fee; allow the public to search energy performance data on an annual basis for each state property; [and show] a comparison of the relative energy performance of a state property as compared to similar buildings located in similar climates.
• By January 1, 2014, the website must be operational.

On Families & Children: Oppose needing written parental permission for sex education

Analysis by Rewire.News: HB 239 would have required a school district to obtain written consent from a parent before instructing students in human sexuality education. HB 239 would have also prohibited school districts from allowing any abortion services provider from offering any materials at schools.

Veto message:The Montana Constitution vests supervision and control of our public schools in locally elected school boards. HB 239 would improvidently intrude upon the constitutional authority of the Board of Public Education and local boards. If parents are concerned about matters relating to the education of their children, they can and should address those concerns with their local school board.

Legislative Outcome: Passed Senate 28-22-0 on Apr/8/13; Passed House 56-41-3 on Apr/13/13; State Rep. Amanda Curtis voted NO; Vetoed by Governor Steve Bullock on Apr/25/13

On Gun Control: Don't bar state enforcement of any federal semi-auto gun ban

Analysis by Associated Press in The Missoulian, March 28, 2013: House Bill 302 was backed by gun advocates who argued the state should be ready in case Congress enacts a gun ban. But Bullock said in his veto message that it does not appear Congress will ban assault weapons, calling the bill "unnecessary political theater."

Veto Message : HB302 puts law enforcement in the position of violating laws they have sworn to uphold. Public safety officers take an oath to "enforce or apply all laws and regulations" and also to "work in unison with all legally authorized agencies" [including federal laws and agencies]. HB 302 would subject our peace officers to criminal sanctions for upholding their oath.

Legislative Outcome: Passed Senate 28-21-1 on Mar/13/13; Passed House 62-35-3 on Mar/20/13; State Rep. Amanda Curtis voted NO; Vetoed by Gov. Bullock on Mar/28/13.