Scenes from the Montana State Capitol during the 64th legislative session.
Greg Lindstrom
Scenes from the 64th Montana Legislative Session in Helena on April 23, 2015. Beacon file photo
Scenes from a past Legislative Session in Helena. Beacon File Photo
Scenes from the 64th Montana Legislative Session in Helena on April 23, 2015. Greg Lindstrom | Flathead Beacon
Legislators meet outside the Senate Chamber during the 64th Montana Legislative Session in Helena on April 23, 2015. Greg Lindstrom | Flathead Beacon
Sen. Mark Blasdel talks to Rep. Mark Noland during the 64th Montana Legislative Session in Helena on April 23, 2015. Greg Lindstrom | Flathead Beacon
Gov. Steve Bullock shakes hands with Sen. Chas Vincent after signing the Senate Bill 262, the Flathead water compact, in Helena on April 24, 2015. Bullock was joined by Rep. Steve Fitzpatrick, left, and Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribal Chairman Vernon Finley. Greg Lindstrom | Flathead Beacon
A mostly empty House floor during the 64th Montana Legislative Session in Helena on April 24, 2015. Greg Lindstrom | Flathead Beacon
Reps. Keith Regier, left, and Mike Cuffe discuss a bill on the House floor during the 64th Montana Legislative Session in Helena on April 23, 2015. Greg Lindstrom | Flathead Beacon
Rep. Mike Cuffe holds a shirt as he walks onto the House floor during the 64th Montana Legislative Session in Helena on April 24, 2015. Greg Lindstrom | Flathead Beacon
Rep. Steve Lavin reads through documents on the House floor during the 64th Montana Legislative Session in Helena on April 24, 2015. Greg Lindstrom | Flathead Beacon
Rep. Carl Glimm listens to discussion during the 64th Montana Legislative Session in Helena on April 23, 2015. Greg Lindstrom | Flathead Beacon
Rep. Randy Brodehl congratulates Rep. Jerry Bennett, who was named legislator of the year, during the 64th Montana Legislative Session in Helena on April 24, 2015. Greg Lindstrom | Flathead Beacon
Sen. Bruce Tutvedt addresses members of the Senate during the 64th Montana Legislative Session in Helena on April 23, 2015. Greg Lindstrom | Flathead Beacon
Rep. Mike Cuffe addresses members of the House during the 64th Montana Legislative Session in Helena on April 23, 2015. Beacon file photo
Rep. Steve Lavin is congratulated by members of the House the day after his birthday at the 64th Montana Legislative Session in Helena on April 24, 2015. Beacon file photo
Scenes from the 64th Montana Legislative Session in Helena on April 24, 2015. Greg Lindstrom | Flathead Beacon
Gov. Steve Bullock speaks during the 64th Montana Legislative Session in Helena on April 24, 2015. Greg Lindstrom | Flathead Beacon
Rep. Art Wittich talks to House Speaker Austin Knudsen during the 64th Montana Legislative Session in Helena on April 24, 2015. Greg Lindstrom | Flathead Beacon
Republican Sen. Keith Regier, left, sponsored the bill to allow the governor to directly fill between-election judicial vacancies. Beacon File Photo
Rep. Frank Garner listens to discussion during a Montana Legislative Session in Helena. Beacon File Photo
Gov. Steve Bullock before he signs the Flathead Water Compact during the 64th Montana Legislative Session in Helena on April 24, 2015. Greg Lindstrom | Flathead Beacon
Tribal Chairman Vernon Finley laughs with Gov. Steve Bullock before he signs the Flathead Water Compact during the 64th Montana Legislative Session in Helena on April 24, 2015. Greg Lindstrom | Flathead Beacon
Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribal Chairman Vernon Finley holds a pen and a braid of sweetgrass after Gov. Steve Bullock signed the Flathead Water Compact during the 64th Montana Legislative Session in Helena on April 24, 2015. Greg Lindstrom | Flathead Beacon
