The Preference List is a feature of the LAWS system that allows users to create and maintain lists of bills, and bill drafts. This is a fast and easy way for LAWS system users to track a group, or groups, of bills throughout the legislative session.
This free service provides time savings for LAWS users who track large numbers of bills. As a user of the preference list feature you create lists of bills. Then with one click you can retrieve the latest status for all of the bills on your list. You can create and use up to twenty-five lists on your individual preference list account.
Do I need a LAWS Preference List?
The short answer is, "No," you do not need a preference list. You can use the LAWS system without a preference list to track bills, get the latest status and bill text, check floor agendas, and lookup hearing information.
The preference list will be valuable to you only if you are interested in tracking a specific group of bills throughout the legislative session. There is some setup and maintenance required to properly use a preference list. You must do this setup and maintenance. That said, the preference list is a powerful, and time saving feature if you want to regularly track the status of a group of bills.
If you only have a small number of bills you want to track you can use your browser's "bookmark" or "favorites" function to easily track those bills. Simply go to the bill(s) Detail Information page within LAWS and create a bookmark. If you do that, you do not need a preference list.
How to Establish a LAWS Preference
First, read the terms of service below. If you understand and agree to the terms then print the Preference List service request form. Be sure to fill it out completely and legibly, and return it to the address shown on the form. You must provide a valid e-mail address on the form. Requests without a valid e-mail address will not be processed.
Once your request has been received by the Montana Legislative Services Division, you will receive your account logon information via e-mail to the address you provide. Normally this will occur within five business days of receipt.
When you have received your logon information go to the Preference List Help Page to learn how to create, maintain, and use your list(s).
LAWS Preference List Terms of Service
The Preference List service is a pilot project of the Montana Legislative Services Division. Because it is a pilot, no guarantee of service or performance is given or implied. While the intent is to maintain this service throughout the 1999 Montana legislative session, it may be shutdown, or the addition of new service accounts may be stopped at any time.
This service is not supported except through the Preference List Help Page. Most users should be able to use this service without much trouble by following the instructions on the help page. If you need additional assistance you should contact a consultant or other resource to assist you. As a free service, the Montana Legislative Services Division can not, and will not be able to assist you beyond your account setup.
The Preference List service has been tested and will work with Netscape 3 and higher, and Internet Explorer 4 and higher. It uses JavaScript 1.1. It may work with other browsers that support this, but it has not been tested, and performance is not guaranteed.
