Listen • 9:03 As of midday Friday 1,128 bills had been introduced and Gov. Gianforte had signed 28 into law. The legislature faces a Wednesday, Mar. 3 deadline for general policy bills from the House to make their way to the Senate, and vice versa. Bills that appropriate money can still be introduced. This week, we’re watching bills ‘in the balance:’ They need to get across to the other chamber to stay in play. Ahead of transmittal, policy committees have held marathon hearings in order to move bills along in the process. Lawmakers leading committees in this work have at times shortened public comment because of time constraints. Also, votes on policy have been taken immediately following a bill’s first hearings -- an unusual step, as lawmakers usually get a few days to think about a bill before voting to pass or table it.