Montana
New rules lead to 'a little bit of chaos' in Montana Senate • Daily Montanan
A change in Senate rules on the first day of the Montana Legislature led to “messed up” planning and stalled some bills.
A print-out of committee hearings for the second day of the session was mostly blank.
Tuesday was just the second day of the 69th session, however, and, according to at least a couple of senators, some politics are expected along the way, and slight delays aren’t all bad, at least this early in the game.
In a briefing earlier in the day, Senate President Matt Regier, R-Kalispell, said the bid for new rules that led to the slowdown had surprised him, and it had serious consequences.
“It was a reshuffling of the deck, which, to me, was very … dismissive of the caucus and everything we did in November and the two months prior,” Regier said.
The previous day, a band of Republicans teamed up with Democrats to change the rules in the Senate, and on Tuesday, some, but not all, committee chairs stood up on the floor and said they had yet to get off the ground.
“Senate Judiciary is still going on a field trip,” said Sen. Barry Usher, R-Billings.
“Stay tuned,” said Sen. Greg Hertz, R-Polson, about Senate Tax.
The sloshing in the Senate caught the attention of the House.
In House Appropriations, Chairperson Llew Jones, R-Conrad, shared ground rules about how the largest committee worked and how it fit into the work at the Capitol, with a side note about the status in the Senate.
“Senate is in a little bit of chaos about who’s on where,” Jones said.
During the first Senate floor session one day earlier, Minority Leader Pat Flowers, D-Belgrade, proposed doing away with an executive review committee in the way Republican leaders had set it up.
At the time, Flowers said its purpose was unclear, and Democrats from the minority caucus were needed on other committees.
Sen. Jason Ellsworth, a Hamilton Republican and former Senate president, also advocated for a structure that did more to spread out the expertise of lawmakers, and he and eight other Republicans voted with Democrats.
Regier said the change meant in just 15 minutes, a couple months’ worth of logistics unraveled, everything from committee assignments to letterhead and business cards.
On the floor, he said the legislative website still had incorrect hearing meeting times, and proper ones would be printed and posted in a public space outside chambers when available.
“We’re working our tails off to get that all in sync,” Regier said.
The delays weren’t all bad, though.
The Senate wrapped up quickly Tuesday, and afterwards, Sen. Janet Ellis, D-Helena, said it was early enough in the legislative session, she wouldn’t characterize the changes with committees as disruptive.
Ellis also said she was working on a bill that dipped into some unfamiliar territory — about artificial intelligence in elections — so she saw a silver lining.
“I’m glad I have some time to prepare,” Ellis said.
Not all committees were delayed as a result, and some were having “educational” meetings instead of taking up proposed bills.
Earlier in the day, Regier said the new rules were just temporary, and the Senate might revert to the plan from leadership when it adopted permanent rules. He said he would defend the work his caucus did, but he couldn’t predict an outcome, either.
“This is politics, right?” Regier said.
Coming out of the floor session, Sen. Jonathan Windy Boy, D-Box Elder, said the same thing about the brake tap on committees.
“That’s why we’re here. Politics,” Windy Boy said. “Sometimes, some people don’t get what they want. Some do. It’s like two kids playing in the playground. Some get to play with the toys, and some don’t.”
The Montana Lottery offers multiple draw games for those aiming to win big.
Here’s a look at June 26, 2026, results for each game:
Winning Mega Millions numbers from June 26 drawing
05-13-30-33-52, Mega Ball: 06
Check Mega Millions payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Big Sky Bonus numbers from June 26 drawing
07-08-20-22, Bonus: 12
Check Big Sky Bonus payouts and previous drawings here.
Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results
When are the Montana Lottery drawings held?
- Powerball: 8:59 p.m. MT on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
- Mega Millions: 9 p.m. MT on Tuesday and Friday.
- Lucky For Life: 8:38 p.m. MT daily.
- Lotto America: 9 p.m. MT on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
- Big Sky Bonus: 7:30 p.m. MT daily.
- Powerball Double Play: 8:59 p.m. MT on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
- Montana Cash: 8 p.m. MT on Wednesday and Saturday.
- Millionaire for Life: 9:15 p.m. MT daily.
Missed a draw? Peek at the past week’s winning numbers.
This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Great Falls Tribune editor. You can send feedback using this form.
Montana
EXCLUSIVE: 2 ‘Exceptionally Rare’ Ski-In, Ski-Out Montana Mansions Head to Auction in Big Sky—and Could Sell for a Serious Steal
A pair of stunning Montana ski homes are going under the hammer in the exclusive resort of Big Sky—where they could sell for well below their market value, having been offered up with no reserve.
Currently listed for a combined total of $13 million, the “exceptionally rare” dwellings are both located within the exclusive Spanish Peaks Mountain Club community—and come complete with full access to all of the incredible amenities that the private club has to offer, including “a Tom Weiskopf-designed 18-hole Championship Golf Course, a 10-hole Par 3 course, preferred access to Montage Big Sky, and a private clubhouse featuring dining, a bar, fitness center, pro shop, pool, and hot tub.”
Now, the properties will be sold off to the highest bidder when they are auctioned off with Trayor Lesnock, founder and president of Platinum Luxury Auctions, in cooperation with listing agents Greg Smith and Amelia Turbyfill of Engel & Völkers.
The larger of the two residences, which are both currently owned by Mark and Jennifer Kozubal, was placed on the market for $7.25 million in 2025, having been completed in 2023. It was more recently listed for the reduced price of $6.68 million.
Spanning more than 4,200 square feet, it features five bedrooms and five bathrooms, as well as a beautiful chef’s kitchen, ideal for hosting large groups. There are also “multiple living areas designed for entertaining and hosting family and friends,” according to the listing.
Combining classic Alpine style with “sleek, modern finishes,” the property offers both comfort and elegance, as well as incredible privacy, thanks to its plum location at the end of a quiet street.
Boasting incredible proximity to both the club’s golf courses and the Big Sky slopes, the property features an array of amenities designed to create a relaxing sanctuary where owners and their guests can retreat after a busy day of sporting activity.
“After a day on the ski slopes or a round of golf, relax in your private hot tub, cozy up by the fireplace, or cook a meal in the chef-inspired kitchen,” the description states.
The second property offers just under 3,000 square feet of living space, including four bedrooms and 3.5 bathrooms—as well as “direct ski-in, ski-out access with groomed connectivity to Big Sky Resort terrain,” according to its listing.
Much like the other residence, the second dwelling—which was brought to the market in January with an asking price of $6.25 million—has been designed specifically for those with a passion for outdoor living, providing the ideal setting in which to unwind after a long day of skiing or golfing.
“The residence includes open-concept living spaces designed for gathering after skiing, hiking, or riding, complemented by warm mountain finishes throughout,” the listing notes.
For those seeking to enjoy year-round life on the mountain, the property has been outfitted with a number of unique features that ensure a comfortable, luxurious experience no matter the weather, including “whole-home humidification and water purification systems.”
Beyond the impressive infrastructure, other alluring amenities include a “full-home audio and visual system,” as well as a dedicated eight-locker ski boot room that opens directly onto the nearest ski trail.
“Outdoor amenities include beautiful landscaping and a stone fireplace seating area positioned along the ski trail, with expansive views to the surrounding mountains,” the listing description continues.
However, perhaps the most tempting aspect of both properties is the fact that they could be sold for well below market value—presenting a truly rare opportunity for buyers to secure property in an area where luxury home sales are booming and price tags are regularly set in the seven-figure range.
“Opportunities like these are exceptionally rare in Big Sky,” seller Mark Kozubal explains. “These two Spanish Peaks Highlands homes offer true ski-in/ski-out access to a lightly used lift that connects directly into Big Sky Resort, creating an almost private ski experience with little to no wait.
“Combined with the privacy, beauty, and prestige of Spanish Peaks, these properties stand apart as truly unique mountain residences.”
Both properties are conveniently located within one of the most exclusive enclaves in Big Sky, offering proximity to both the area’s stunning ski resorts and the Yellowstone Club, which has long been one of the most star-studded neighborhoods in the area.
Among those celebrities who are rumored to have purchased properties at the Yellowstone club are NFL star Tom Brady, musician Justin Timberlake and his actress wife Jessica Biel, and Microsoft billionaire Bill Gates.
“Spanish Peaks is one of the premier private residential clubs in the West,” the club’s website notes. “Here, you can experience world-class skiing and golf, fine food and drink, spectacular natural beauty and so much more. This is mountain living at its best.”
Auctioneer Lesnock emphasizes that the opportunity to secure homes in such a luxury-leaning market for what could be a truly bargain price is not something that happens very often.
“Single-family homes within Spanish Peaks have solidly maintained an entry point of at least $5 million, so the ability for buyers to ‘name their price’ in these without reserve auctions represents a substantial purchase opportunity compared to this status quo,” he explains.
“In addition to the high caliber of each property, the community’s world-class golf, ski and wellness amenities are integral parts of the overall formula that continues to attract affluent, second-home buyers to Spanish Peaks from around the world.”
As for why the owners have chosen to pursue an auction, rather than waiting for the homes to sell in a more traditional manner, Lesnock says this process will help them to secure a sale in a timely manner, without having to hang around for months on end in the hopes that a buyer will come forward.
“Under the luxury auction process, we’re giving buyers not only that economic purchase opportunity, but also the guarantee of a seamless, non-contingent sale, free of the haggling and aggravations that can plague traditional, luxury property transactions,” he shares.
“The sellers also benefit in accord, knowing they have a date-certain sale and a clear path to their ‘Next Step.’”
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