HB 780 revises Montana's laws for statewide ballot issues, such as initiatives and referendums. The bill requires the Secretary of State to conduct a public hearing for each proposed ballot issue, allowing for public comments and testimony. This hearing would occur during the legislative services division's review period of the proposal and its ballot statements. Additionally, the Attorney General's review process would include assessing whether a proposed ballot issue could cause a regulatory taking or significant harm to state business interests. These changes directly affect individuals or groups proposing ballot measures and the state's process for direct democracy.
HB 941 proposed to transfer all interest earnings generated from federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. The bill directed the state treasurer to move these earnings into the coal severance tax permanent fund. It also included a small appropriation of $100 to the Department of Revenue for implementing the act. The bill specified alternative destinations for the funds and adjustments to other legislation, depending on the passage of related bills.
HB 706 aimed to revise the requirements for parties seeking attorney fees after prevailing in a lawsuit against the state government. It would have required these parties to provide an engagement letter, daily documentation of work performed with detailed time entries, and invoices submitted within 60 days of work. Additionally, proof of payment of these invoices within 30 days of receipt would have been necessary. These specific requirements would not have applied to prevailing parties whose combined income and assets did not exceed $250,000.
HB 305 sought to establish the Montana Mobile Home Park Dispute Resolution Program, administered by the Department of Commerce, to help mobile home landlords and tenants resolve disputes. The program would provide educational materials on rights and responsibilities and allow either party to file complaints regarding alleged violations. The Department would investigate complaints, facilitate negotiations, and make determinations, with the power to impose remedies like fines or orders for rent refunds. The bill also required mobile home parks to register, pay fees to fund the program, and provide notice before a park's sale.
House Bill 892 proposed to redirect a portion of the state's insurance premium tax revenue to help fund property tax relief. The bill would have mandated the transfer of $10 million annually from insurance tax collections to a new state property tax assistance account. This change aimed to reallocate state funds to provide financial assistance related to property taxes, indirectly affecting taxpayers. The bill's implementation was dependent on the passage of Senate Bill No. 90, which would establish the property tax assistance account.
HB 873 aimed to establish a Mobile Home Park Emergency Relocation Account. This account would provide financial assistance to mobile home owners who are required to move due to a change in use or redevelopment of their mobile home park. Eligible tenants could receive funds for relocation expenses, up to $10,000 for a single-section or $15,000 for a multi-section home, or an abandonment payment. The account would be funded by an annual assessment on mobile homes whose owners do not own the underlying land, along with other revenue, with the assessment waived if the account exceeds $1 million.
HB 800 revises Montana's residential landlord and tenant laws, affecting landlords, tenants, and individuals occupying a property without a formal agreement. The bill clarifies that guests who have not established a landlord-tenant relationship are not covered by these laws and can be prosecuted for criminal trespass if they refuse to leave. It also provides for the immediate removal of unauthorized persons or trespassers by law enforcement. The legislation accelerates the timelines for court hearings in landlord possession actions and for sheriffs to execute writs of assistance. Additionally, it updates the procedures for landlords to dispose of a tenant's abandoned personal property after a lease ends.
HB 506 proposed a constitutional amendment to change the method of selecting Montana Supreme Court justices. Currently, these justices are elected by qualified voters. If approved, the bill would have revised this to have Supreme Court justices appointed by the Governor from a list of nominees. This list would be provided by a nomination committee consisting of legislative leaders and two attorneys, with appointments subject to Senate confirmation. District court judges would have continued to be elected by voters.
HB 363 aimed to revise the selection process for the Montana Public Service Commission (PSC). It proposed changing the PSC's composition from five entirely elected members to two elected members and three members appointed by the governor and confirmed by the senate. The bill outlined specific districts for the elected commissioners and established 6-year terms with term limits for all commissioners. Additionally, it introduced new qualifications for appointed commissioners, requiring industry expertise and prohibiting recent professional or financial ties to entities regulated by the commission.
HB 824 proposed to allow vehicle owners in Montana to display a county number decal on their personalized license plates. The bill would amend Section 61-3-403 of the Montana Code Annotated to explicitly permit this option. This change would affect individuals who choose personalized plates and desire to include a county identifier.
House Joint Resolution 3 (HJ 3) is a legislative measure that recommends the Montana Transportation Commission prioritize specific projects. It urges the Commission to focus on safety improvements at the intersection of U.S. Highway 287 and Montana Highway 200, commonly known as Bowman's Corner. This resolution serves as a recommendation from the Legislature to the Commission regarding highway construction and reconstruction project prioritization.
HB 453 would require the Department of Revenue to establish a program allowing taxpayers to pay state income taxes using cryptocurrency. The department would contract with third-party payment processors to convert cryptocurrency payments into U.S. dollars before the state receives them. A key provision is that using cryptocurrency for state tax payments would not be considered a taxable event for state capital gains tax purposes. This bill would affect taxpayers choosing to pay their state income taxes with cryptocurrency, applying to income tax years beginning after December 31, 2025.
