Legislative Wins
During the contentious 2023 Montana Legislative Session, Laura sponsored and passed multiple bills that keep our community safe and government accountable. She was focused on the issues that impact you every day, from property taxes and affordable living to keeping Montana's communities safe for all. Laura serves on four committees, addressing criminal justice, government accountability and the economic stability and health of our communities. Read more below on Laura's legislative focus and accomplishments.
You Deserve a Safe, Affordable Place to Live
Laura led efforts to ensure Montanans aren't priced out of living in our state, co-sponsoring legislation to increase affordable housing and keep costs reasonable for renters.
Laura sponsored and successfully passed three major bills to make childhood safe for all kids: closing a loophole in child sexual abuse statutes, protecting families from predatory program that historically have engaged in abuse of young enrollees, and preventing kids from being unnecessarily shackled in juvenile court,
​
Laura's experience prosecuting more than 100 felonies in Montana formed the basis for her drive for all Montanans to be able to be safe in their own communities.
Mental Health Support When You or Your Family Need it Most
Laura led a bipartisan bill back from the brink to ensure that individuals struggling with substance use disorders (SUDs) can access care, especially with rising program costs.
​
Laura's work as Deputy Director of the state's largest agency, Health and Human Services, formed her understanding that mental health is the foundation of economic stability and a quality life.
Keeping Big Sky Country Open to All
Laura is a staunch advocate of Montana's wild places, advocating for legislation that keeps public lands open to all. Laura fought back against any bill that sold access to Montana's lands to the highest bidder.
​
Laura's lifelong love of trails and camping motivating her to ensure there is Big Sky Country left for our kids and grandkids.
Government Should Work for You
Laura serves as Vice Chair of the statewide Audit Committee, a bipartisan, year-round committee that holds state government accountable to all Montanans.
Laura's work on the committee has addressed toxic workplace practices and ensured taxpayer dollars are being used with respect and effectiveness.
As a former federal prosecutor of fraud, Laura's expertise has proven a valuable asset to identifying financial issues that need to be fixed at state agencies.
Protecting Your Privacy and Independence
Laura fought back against extremist legislation that tried to create a state registry of abortions. She successfully revised the bill with bipartsan support. The change closed an overlooked loophole that allowed private health care information to be used in criminal prosecutions. Laura also successfully co-sponsored legislation to better address and prevent stalking.
Montanans value their privacy, autonomy, and independence. Laura has fought for your privacy rights in every setting, from your online and cellular data to your confidential health information.
Your Issues Matter
During the legislative session, Laura received more than 5,000 correspondences, from emails and calls, to texts and written messages. Laura values your input, expertise, and experience. Please reach out to us on our contact page to tell us about issues that are important to you.