_____________ joint resolution NO. _____________

INTRODUCED BY _________________________________________________

By Request of the ****

A joint resolution of the Senate and the House of Representatives of the state of montana requesting an interim study of agricultural data COLLECTION and use; and requiring that the final results of the study be reported to the 69th legislature.

WHEREAS, agricultural data is collected by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and is guarded from resale or use of the data to influence commodity markets; and

WHEREAS, agricultural equipment manufacturers and precision agricultural system developers collect the same data as the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and may use it for commercial purposes without benefit to the individual farmers, ranchers, the State of Montana, or the U.S. Department of Agriculture; and

WHEREAS, farmers and ranchers cannot currently opt out of data collection procedures that result in the commercial sale, resale, exchange, bailment, or transfer of the customer's data; and

WHEREAS, agricultural data is commercially valuable; and

WHEREAS, Montana citizens may be providing a commercial value and receiving no tangible benefit.

Now, therefore, be it resolved by the Senate and the House of Representatives OF THE STATE OF MONTANA:

That the Legislative Council be requested to designate an appropriate interim committee or statutory committee, pursuant to section 5-5-217, MCA, or direct sufficient staff resources to examine the issue of agricultural data collection and use for the purpose of determining how the State of Montana can protect the data property rights of farmers and ranchers.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that if the study is assigned to staff, any findings or conclusions be presented to and reviewed by an appropriate committee designated by the Legislative Council.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that all aspects of the study, including presentation and review requirements, be concluded prior to September 15, 2024.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the final results of the study, including any findings, conclusions, comments, or recommendations of the appropriate committee, be reported to the 69th Legislature.