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.
HB 810 prohibits Montana landlords from charging extra fees based on how tenants pay rent (e.g., credit card or online payments), except to cover actual bank fees incurred for electronic payments. It defines "rent payment type" to include cash, checks, electronic methods, or other agreed-upon forms. The law directly affects all Montana tenants and landlords by standardizing payment terms in rental agreements. It amends existing tenant-landlord statutes to eliminate discriminatory fees while clarifying acceptable payment methods.
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.
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.
HB 416 requires homeowners' associations (HOAs) to obtain permission from property owners before an HOA agent may enter their private real property. When seeking permission, the HOA must propose a convenient date and time for the owner and specify which part of the property the agent needs to access. Property owners have the option to require their presence or their agent's presence during the HOA's entry. This bill clarifies rules for HOA access to private property, but it does not affect access to areas generally open to the public like sidewalks.
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.
