Vote on Reform Bill Splits Down Party Lines

Republican-backed legislation that is being called the vehicle for workers' compensation reform in Montana was approved by the state House of Representatives on a party-line vote, but was re-referred to the Appropriations Committee and will require a third reading and an additional vote in the House before it moves to the Senate.House Bill 334, introduced by state Rep. Scott Reichner, R-Bigfork, passed on a 67-32 vote after a second reading in the House on Feb. 9. Republicans supported the measure; Democrats opposed it. The House referred the bill to the Appropriations Committee the same d...