Matt Rosendale in MT legislative records

On Abortion: Rejected that insurers have plans with and without abortion

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.

Legislative outcome: Passed Senate 29-21-0, 4/15/15; passed Senate 54-42-4, 4/11/15

On Abortion: Provide religious exemption to 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; Sen. Rosendale voted YES; on 3/20/13: Passed House 58-39-3; Vetoed 4/5/13.

On Civil Rights: Keep criminalization of gay sex

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; State Sen. Matt Rosendale voted NO; Passed House 64-35-1 on Apr/10/13; Signed by Governor Steve Bullock on

On Families & Children: Require 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; State Sen. Matt Rosendale voted YES; Passed House 56-41-3 on Apr/13/13; Vetoed by Governor Steve Bullock on Apr/25/13

On Government Reform: No campaign donor disclosure; yes Citizens United

Matt Rosendale (R): No. Voted against state bill requiring independent groups to reveal how money they contribute to election campaigns is being used & where it's coming from. Supports Supreme Court's Citizens United ruling as protecting freedom of speech.

Jon Tester (D): Yes. Introduced Spotlight Act, requiring political nonprofits to disclose donors. "Dark money is a threat to our democracy. I will do everything I can to defend Montanans from this shadowy behavior." Opposed Citizens United ruling.

On Government Reform: Voted to repeal same-day voter registration

Matt Rosendale (R): Yes. Voted to repeal same-day voter registration. Require government-issued photo identification to vote.

Jon Tester (D): Unclear on photo ID. Introduced bill to ensure Native American voting access.

On Gun Control: Veto barring state enforcement of federal semi-automatic 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 officers to criminal sanctions for upholding the oath we ask that they take.

Legislative Outcome: Passed Senate 28-21-1 on Mar/13/13; State Sen. Rosendale voted YES; Passed House 62-35-3 on Mar/20/13; Vetoed by Gov. Bullock on Mar/28/13.

On Health Care: I won't give up on repealing & replacing ObamaCare

Matt Rosendale (R): Repeal. "I won't give up on repealing & replacing ObamaCare." Can replace while keeping affordability & protecting pre-existing conditions with high-risk pools. Voted against MT Medicaid expansion.

Jon Tester (D): Support. Not perfect, but has helped rural hospitals & health centers. Supports Medicaid expansion.