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About 

Curtis Cochran has dedicated his life to serving the people and communities of Montana. Born in Thompson Falls in 1956, Curtis is a lifelong Montanan with deep roots in House District 90.

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After graduating from Helena Senior High School, Curtis pursued higher education at the University of Montana and Green River College while logging for Columbia Helicopter. He built a successful career in Montana's timber industry before retiring, and has been involved in family businesses spanning tourism, construction, and mining—industries that form the backbone of our local economy.

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Curtis' commitment to his community runs deep. For many years, he has volunteered with the St. Regis Community Council and the Mineral County Recreation Club, working to improve life for his neighbors. As a volunteer high school football coach, he has mentored young people and helped shape the next generation of Montanans. He also serves on the board of the nonprofit Trestle Creek Golf Association.

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Since 2025, Curtis has proudly served the people of House District 90 in the Montana House of Representatives, bringing his real-world experience and common-sense approach to Helena. He understands the challenges facing rural Montana communities because he's lived them firsthand.

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Curtis resides in St. Regis and is a proud father. He brings the values of hard work, community service, and Montana tradition to his role as your Republican representative for Hwy 12 Lolo Peak Area, Frenchtown, Alberton, Superior, St. Regis, Paradise, and all of Mineral County.

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Sponsored and Co-Sponsored Bill Highlights

2025 Legislative Session

Fighting for Common Sense Solutions in Helena

HB 79

Small Project Fire

Safety Exemptions

SIGNED INTO LAW - May 27, 2025

WILDFIRE PREVENTION & FOREST MANAGEMENT

What it does: Creates streamlined exemptions for small-scale forestry activities (up to 2 log truck loads or 10,000 board feet) from complex fire hazard reduction agreements. If forest products are sold, landowners need only one simple written exemption per year from DNRC. Activities that create minimal slash hazard and involve no sales are completely exempt from fire hazard reduction requirements.

Why it matters: This common-sense reform eliminates bureaucratic red tape for HD 90 families who want to thin their timber, gather firewood, or conduct small forest management projects. Whether you're a homeowner in Frenchtown clearing defensible space or a small landowner in Paradise selling a pickup load of firewood, you're no longer buried in paperwork while still maintaining fire safety standards.

HB 252

Student and Teacher

Advancement for Results & Success (STARS) Act

SIGNED INTO LAW - July 1, 2025

EDUCATION

What it does: Restructures school funding to boost teacher salaries and improve student outcomes through performance-based incentives. Mandates base teacher pay reach 70% of the average salary by 2030 (starting at 62% in 2026), doubles Quality Educator Component payments for qualified staff, and introduces incentives for students earning career/technical credentials. The act is 100% state-funded to reward schools for student success.

Why it matters: Rural schools in HD 90 face unique challenges attracting and retaining quality teachers due to lower pay and limited resources. This bill helps our local schools in Superior, St. Regis, and throughout Mineral County compete for top educators with guaranteed salary increases while rewarding actual student achievement rather than just maintaining the status quo.

HB 390

Montana Agricultural Equipment Repair Bill of Rights Act

SIGNED INTO LAW - Effective January 1, 2026 

AGRICULTURE

What it does: Requires manufacturers to provide farmers and ranchers with fair access to software, diagnostic tools, repair documentation, and parts needed to fix modern electronics-enabled farm equipment. Prohibits digital locks that prevent independent repairs and ensures access on "fair and reasonable terms."

Why it matters: When a combine's computer system fails during harvest season or a tractor's electronics malfunction during haying, HD 90 ranchers shouldn't be held hostage by manufacturer monopolies. With the nearest authorized dealer potentially hours away, this bill gives our agricultural community the independence to fix their own equipment, reducing costly downtime and keeping our family farms competitive.

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HB 190

Establish American rodeo the official state sport of Montana

SIGNED INTO LAW -  April 2025

MONTANA HERITAGE & TRADITIONS

What it does: Officially designates American rodeo as Montana's official state sport, recognizing its deep cultural and historical significance to our state's heritage and its reflection of Western traditions of independence and toughness.

Why it matters: From local rodeos in Superior to historic events like the Wolf Point "Wild Horse" Stampede (running since 1915), rodeo embodies the Montana spirit that defines HD 90 communities. This recognition celebrates our Western heritage while supporting the economic and social impact of rodeo events that bring families together and attract tourism to rural Montana.

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Committees & Community Involvement

Your Voice on Key Legislative Committees - Serving House District 90 Every Day

Transportation Committee

Fighting for HD 90 Infrastructure

Curtis serves on the committee that oversees Montana's roads, bridges, and transportation funding, which are critical issues for our rural communities connected by Highway 200, Highway 135, and local county roads.

What this means for you: 

  • Securing funding for Highway 200 safety improvements

  • Supporting maintenance of rural roads and bridges

  • Advocating for snow removal and emergency access

  • Promoting safe transportation for logging and mining operations

"Good roads mean good jobs and safe families in Mineral County."

Local Government Committee

Protecting Local Control

This committee handles the relationship between state government and local communities—ensuring counties and municipalities have the tools they need to serve their residents effectively.

Key focus areas:

  • Property tax policy affecting homeowners

  • County authority and local decision-making

  • Municipal services and infrastructure

  • Zoning and land use regulations

"Decisions affecting Frenchtown, Alberton, and Superior should be made by people who live here, not bureaucrats in Helena."

State Administration and Veterans Affairs Committee

Honoring Service
Improving Government

Curtis works on government efficiency and veterans' services, ensuring our state runs effectively while honoring those who served our country.

Committee responsibilities:

  • Veterans' benefits and services

  • State agency oversight and accountability

  • Government transparency and efficiency

  • Support for military families

"We owe our veterans the best services possible, and taxpayers deserve efficient government."

Mineral County Republican Central Committee

Chairman

As Chairman, Curtis leads the grassroots Republican organization in Mineral County, coordinating local campaigns, organizing events, and ensuring conservative values are represented at every level of government.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Organizing voter registration drives

  • Coordinating local candidate recruitment

  • Managing county GOP events and fundraisers

  • Building coalitions across rural Montana

"Strong communities need strong leadership at every level."

Mineral County Shooting Sports Association

Lifemember

Curtis's lifelong commitment to Second Amendment rights is demonstrated through his active membership in the local shooting sports community, promoting safe firearms education and constitutional freedoms.

Community Impact:

  • Supporting youth shooting sports programs

  • Promoting hunter safety education

  • Defending Second Amendment rights

  • Fostering responsible gun ownership

Trestle Creek Golf Association

Board Member

Curtis serves on the board of this nonprofit organization, helping maintain recreational facilities that attract tourism to our area while providing quality recreation for local families.

Board Contributions:

  • Strategic planning and facility improvements

  • Community event coordination

  • Tourism development initiatives

  • Financial oversight and sustainability planning

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