HB 924 creates the Montana Growth and Opportunity Trust, funded by half of the state's unpredictable revenue (like capital gains or oil royalties) starting in 2027. Interest income from the trust is split: half distributes $15 million annually to five specific programs (disaster resiliency, property tax relief, water development, bridge repairs, and early childhood care), while the other half reinvests in pension funds and housing infrastructure. The bill establishes new accounts for these programs and sets rules for calculating volatile revenue using historical data to stabilize budgeting. It directly affects state budgeting, early childhood services, infrastructure projects, and pension systems through mandatory funding allocations.
SB 266 requires Montana cities with populations over 5,000 to allow triplexes (three-unit homes) and fourplexes (four-unit homes) in areas where single-family homes are permitted, without imposing stricter rules than those for single-family properties. The bill mandates that zoning regulations for these multi-unit housing types cannot be more restrictive than those for single-family residences, including limits on parking (max one space per unit) and reduced requirements for lot sizes or building setbacks. It also encourages local governments to adopt additional housing strategies, such as eliminating or reducing off-street parking mandates and permitting accessory dwelling units. This bill directly affects cities meeting the population threshold, aiming to increase housing density options for residents.
SB 146, the "Private Property Protection Act," would have limited Montana government actions restricting private property use to only those demonstrably necessary for public health or safety. It would allow property owners to challenge restrictions (like zoning rules or fees) in court if they fail to meet strict standards, requiring governments to prove the restriction is the least restrictive option for a compelling public interest. The bill directly affects private property owners and local/state governments by creating a legal process for contesting regulations. However, it died in the legislative process in May 2025 and never became law.
SB 405 proposed transferring $50 million from Montana's general fund to the Housing Montana Fund within 15 days of enactment, directly supporting state housing programs and affordable housing initiatives. It required the Department of Commerce to update administrative rules related to housing by the start of the 70th legislative session. The bill would have taken effect July 1, 2025, but died in committee on May 23, 2025, after being tabled in April 2025. This was a substantive funding bill, not a procedural measure, with no further legislative action taken.
HB 920 establishes a temporary property tax exemption for new senior care facilities and housing development projects. Tax-exempt non-profit organizations sponsoring these projects must first petition a local government, which determines if there is a "compelling need" for the project through a public hearing. If approved by the local government, the sponsor can then apply to the department of revenue for the exemption. This bill aims to encourage the development of various affordable housing and care options for seniors aged 55 or 62 and older.
HB 505 modifies the Montana Housing Infrastructure Revolving Loan Fund Account. The bill allows this fund to retain all interest and income it earns, rather than those funds being transferred elsewhere. It also directs the state treasurer to transfer $50 million from the general fund into this account by June 2025 and another $50 million by June 2026. These provisions aim to increase the resources available within the revolving loan fund, which supports housing infrastructure projects. The principal of the fund can only be appropriated by a two-thirds vote of each legislative house.
HB 231 revises property tax laws by establishing reduced tax rates for certain class four residential and commercial properties. It provides a lower tax rate for qualifying owner-occupied principal residences and long-term rental properties, as well as for a portion of commercial property value. For principal residences, some owners will automatically qualify for the reduced rate for tax years 2025 and 2026 based on prior tax rebates or assistance programs. Beginning in tax year 2027, all owners seeking these reduced rates must apply to the department and meet specific eligibility criteria, such as demonstrating occupancy for a principal residence or rental periods for long-term rentals.
House Bill 162 revises the definition of "infrastructure" for communities that levy a resort tax. This bill expands the types of projects that can be funded by a resort tax to include "workforce and community housing projects." Previously, resort tax funds for infrastructure were primarily allocated to traditional public services like water, sewer, roads, and public safety. This change allows resort communities and areas to utilize resort tax revenue for housing initiatives.
SB 149 revises laws regarding emotional support animals (ESAs) in housing, affecting tenants with disabilities and landlords. The bill allows landlords to request specific documentation from a licensed health care practitioner if a tenant's need for an ESA is not readily apparent. This documentation must come from a practitioner with an established client-provider relationship who has conducted a clinical evaluation and identified the specific therapeutic support the animal provides. The bill also clarifies that ESA registration cards alone are not sufficient proof and holds tenants liable for damages caused by their emotional support animals.
HB 311 requires landlords and property managers to refund residential rental application fees to applicants who do not ultimately sign a rental agreement. Landlords may deduct costs for specific services actually performed, such as a credit check, if the applicant was given written notice of these allocated costs when the fee was collected. However, they cannot retain fees for services not performed or for their own time. If an application fee is wrongfully withheld, an applicant can take civil action to recover the amount, with potential for attorney fees.
