On February 23, 2026, Montana Governor John Smith signed into law a series of bills aimed at reforming and modernizing the state's corporate laws. The new legislation, which comes after months of debate and negotiation in the state legislature, is designed to increase transparency and accountability among corporations operating in Montana.One of the key provisions of the new laws is a requirement for all corporations registered in Montana to disclose the names and contact information of their beneficial owners. This measure is intended to crack down on anonymous shell companies that have been used for money laundering and other illicit activities. By requiring corporations to disclose this information, the state hopes to prevent abuse of the corporate form and hold bad actors accountable.Additionally, the new legislation includes provisions aimed at improving corporate governance and oversight. For example, corporations will now be required to have independent directors on their boards to provide a check on executive power. This is intended to prevent conflicts of interest and ensure that decisions are made in the best interest of the company and its shareholders.Furthermore, the new laws also aim to enhance shareholder rights and protections. Shareholders will now have more say in important corporate decisions, such as mergers and acquisitions, through expanded voting rights and disclosure requirements. This is intended to give shareholders a greater voice in the management of the companies in which they invest and promote a more democratic corporate governance structure.Overall, the new corporate laws in Montana represent a significant step forward in promoting transparency, accountability, and good governance among corporations operating in the state. Governor Smith praised the legislation as a positive development for Montana's business community and expressed confidence that the state's economy will benefit from these reforms in the long run.The new laws will go into effect on July 1, 2026, giving corporations time to adjust to the new requirements and comply with the updated regulatory framework. Montana joins a growing number of states that are taking steps to modernize their corporate laws and adapt to the changing business landscape in the 21st century.