Montana HB 382 Fails to Pass House

In February 2025, Montana lawmakers proposed House Bill 382, commonly known as the Specie Legal Tender Act. Sponsored by Rep. Tom Millett (R‑Marion), the bill aimed to recognize U.S.‑issued gold and silver coins as legal tender in the state. It also proposed exempting exchanges of such specie from individual income tax, and ensured that no one—unless agreed in contract—could be compelled to accept these precious metals as payment. Additionally, it permitted other forms of gold and silver (beyond U.S.‑issued coins) to be granted legal tender status only through court or congressional approval.

Despite advancing through the House Business and Labor Committee and receiving a second reading, HB 382 ultimately failed on the House floor. On May 20, 2025, the bill died in the process, without passing the full House vote.  The tally that day was 44 in favor and 56 opposed—falling short of the majority needed for passage.