Steve's Background
Steve Gist is a Montana native. He grew up in North Central Montana on a farm and ranch. In 1985, he moved to Great Falls to begin a career in the Health Care field.
Steve has worked EMS as a first responder, in both ground and air ambulance. He later worked in Emergency Rooms as a Paramedic and then as a Registered Nurse.
Working Together
Steve and his wife also run a wild land fire contracting business based in Cascade, MT. Since 1987, he has spent his summers working on wild land fires in Montana and across the West.
Political Involvement
Steve has been active politically with both our State Legislators and the teams of our Congressional delegation, on topics including: abusive/wasteful spending, transportation issues, workers compensation coverage for Volunteer Fire Depts. and EMS First Responders. He has worked on legislation updating the Montana Laws on ethics.
In the last 3 sessions he has served on Business and Labor, Local Government, Natural Resources and Legislative Administration. Steve was the chairman for Natural Resources in the 2025 session and was elected as Majority Whip in 2023 and 2025 sessions by the party members.
Accomplishments in the last 3 sessions
2025 Session
HB 421 an increase in fire assessment fees for landowners on designated forest land.
HB 616 allows for data modeling for mining compliance.
HB 620 removes the ability of a medical practice from limiting where a physician can practice if they leave that practice.
HB 621 allows for establishment of a peer support program for first responders
HB 742 changed language in Nuisance Complaint laws to prevent unfair targeting.
HJ 47 establishes a study of local government entity cooperation and consolodation to determine areas of cost-savings.
2023 Session
HB 32 passed/law and HB 33 vetoed Provide remedy for citizens from Special Districts overreach.
HB 490 Fighting Human Labor Trafficking/Tax Evasion and Fraud
HB 610 Change Emergency Care Provider (ECP) requirements
HB 659 grace period for lapsed Concealed Carry Permits
HB 34 Clean up permitting process for DNRC
HJ 11 Resolution to ban ESG credit score
2021 Session
HB 641 Search and Rescue-cadaver dog bill
HB 386 Search and Rescue able to carry firearms
HB 48 Remove occupation from hunting and fishing license
State representatives serve in their state's lower legislative chamber. Responsibilities include drafting and voting on state laws, representing their district's interests in the state capitol, serving on state committees, and shaping the state budget. State legislation covers areas like education, healthcare, transportation, criminal justice, and local taxation that directly affect residents' daily lives.