The Latest: House passes rules for funding infrastructure

HELENA, Mont. – The Latest on a bill to set a framework for funding infrastructure projects (all times local):

12:10 p.m.

The Montana House has unanimously passed a bill to set rules for lawmakers to determine how much money the state can afford to borrow and spend on building construction and maintenance.

Republican Rep. Eric Moore’s bill includes rules for borrowing based on state revenue and existing debt.

It passed 100-0 on Thursday and now moves to the Senate.

Over the past several legislative sessions, lawmakers have been unable to get the two-thirds majority vote needed to authorize borrowing money for major building projects. Lawmakers in 2017 approved $173 million for water, sewer, road and bridge projects.

Moore said his bill was drafted in consultation with lawmakers from both parties and the governor’s budget office.

Republican Rep. Nancy Ballance, co-chair of the House Appropriations Committee, called the proposal a responsible way to set fiscal policy.

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10 a.m.

The Montana House has unanimously endorsed a bill to set rules for lawmakers to determine how much money the state can afford to borrow and spend on building construction and maintenance.

Republican Rep. Eric Moore’s bill includes rules for borrowing based on state revenue and existing debt.

It was endorsed by the House 100-0 on Wednesday and is scheduled for a final vote Thursday.

Over the past several legislative sessions, lawmakers have been unable to get the two-thirds majority vote needed to authorize borrowing money for major building projects. Lawmakers in 2017 approved $173 million for water, sewer, road and bridge projects.

Moore said his bill was drafted in consultation with lawmakers from both parties.

Republican Rep. Nancy Ballance, co-chair of the House Appropriations Committee, called the proposal a responsible way to set fiscal policy.