A Legislator’s Handbook presents information of value to new legislators and veteran legislators as they prepare for and participate in a regular session of the Legislature.

The handbook provides general information to create a foundation for understanding how the Montana Legislature works. It is not a comprehensive digest of statutes, rules, or other applicable provisions. Exceptions to general requirements and provisions that are not often implemented are not generally noted. Legislators are advised to consult the actual laws and rules applicable to the current Legislature to determine specific requirements.

This handbook represents the “tip of the iceberg” with respect to informational resources that are available to legislators.

Some of the terms and acronyms used in this handbook may be unfamiliar to the reader. Appendix A contains a glossary of commonly used terms. Appendix B contains a guide to acronyms. Appendix C provides a key to the color coding used for various versions of bills and related materials.