Exempt Commerce grants and loans from MEPA

This bill exempts various Montana state departments and commissions from environmental review requirements when creating or administering specific grant and loan programs. It directly affects agencies responsible for economic development, housing, tourism, and cultural preservation by removing the need for environmental assessments under the Montana Environmental Policy Act for these activities. The exemption covers programs related to microbusiness development, historic preservation, workforce training, agritourism, housing financing, and other economic initiatives, allowing these agencies to proceed without the standard environmental review process. The law also requires notifying federally recognized tribal governments and takes effect on July 1, 2025.