Revise appraisal process for centrally assessed property

SB 397 would have revised Montana's process for valuing centrally assessed property (like commercial or industrial properties). It required the Department of Revenue and property owners to agree in writing on a specific independent appraiser and share costs before using one; if they couldn't agree, the Department would select and pay for the appraiser but must share the original appraisal with the owner if modifying results. The bill applied to property tax years starting after 2025. This procedural bill died in committee in May 2025 and never became law.