From The K-B-L-G News Center...

A key Montana House panel is starting work on the state's main spending bill for the next two years, looking to trim the governor's proposal. 

David Ewer is the budget director for Governor Brian Schweitzer.  He told the House Appropriations Committee yesterday that he agrees that additional cuts are needed to make sure the main budget is balanced. 

The House panel has agreed that one main spending bill will be based on anticipated normal state revenues over the next two years, while a separate bill is in the works to spend $800 million in federal stimulus money being funneled through the state. 

Ewer told lawmakers that the stimulus will provide some flexibility in the main bill, as well.  He recommended that they pull about $60 million from the stimulus to fund one-time projects identified in the governor's spending proposal.      

The Montana Senate has endorsed a bill allowing a charge of homicide if an unborn child dies in an attack on the mother. 

The Senate endorsed the measure 35-14 yesterday,and, if it passes another Senate vote, it will move to the House. 

Senate Bill 327 would create two new crimes, both associated with the death of a fetus.  It also allows additional sentencing for assaults on pregnant woman. 

The measure, sponsored by Senator Aubyn Curtiss of Fortine, is similar to a federal law known as the Unborn Victims of Violence Act.  That law makes it a crime to kill a fetus in the commission of another federal crime. 

Proponents say the bill aims to halt violence against women, while opponents say its language could set a precedent for outlawing abortion.      

The Montana Senate rejected a bill yesterday to outlaw talking or texting on a handheld cell phone while driving. 

Senate Bill 278 would have allowed a fine of $100 for the offense.  It failed on a 32-17 vote.  The measure, introduced by Senator Christine Kaufmann of Helena, did not apply to phones used with accessories that allow drivers' hands to remain free. 

The Montana Highway Patrol says at least 143 crashes were caused by cell phones in the state in 2007, an increase of 40 from the year before. 

At least six other states prohibit talking on handheld devices while driving.  Kaufmann's bill set stricter limits than a similar House bill that has also been tabled.  That bill would have restricted phone prohibitions to within city limits.           

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)