This bill prohibits non-citizens and foreign entities from owning real property in Montana, affecting anyone who is not a U.S. citizen or whose business is based outside the country. It requires violators to sell their property within six months, after which a county sheriff may auction it at public sale. The attorney general or local county attorney can enforce the law by filing a lawsuit, and the restrictions apply only to property purchased on or after January 1, 2026.
This bill amends Montana's zoning laws to establish that when there is ambiguity about whether a property's prior use is allowed, decisions must favor allowing that use to protect property rights. It directly affects property owners, developers, and local zoning officials by clarifying how existing nonconforming uses are interpreted and enforced. The legislation removes the ability of historic preservation boards to review zoning permit applications and variances, while also adding a rebuttable presumption that manufactured homes in residential areas will not negatively impact property values. Additionally, the bill defines tiny dwelling units as residential spaces between 350 and 750 square feet and requires local design review standards to be clear, objective, and necessary for public health or safety.
This bill updates Montana's tax lien and tax deed laws to provide stronger protections for property owners facing delinquent taxes. It requires county treasurers to send detailed written notices to taxpayers and interested parties, including specific breakdowns of tax amounts and available assistance programs. The legislation also establishes equity thresholds that must be exceeded before a tax deed can be issued, mandates real-time online bidding for tax sales, and clarifies how surplus funds from these sales will be handled. Additionally, the bill expands protections for certain property types and streamlines administrative processes for handling delinquent taxes.
This bill creates a grant program in Montana to help local governments and nonprofit organizations expand shelter capacity for homeless individuals. The program provides state matching funds to projects serving seniors, veterans, domestic violence survivors, youth aging out of foster care, and people with mental health or substance use disorders. To receive funding, applicants must submit a detailed collaboration plan and show they have their own matching funds, while the state prioritizes projects that reach diverse communities and fill service gaps. The $2 million appropriation is available for two years starting July 1, 2025, with the department required to report results to the legislature by August 2026.
This bill amends Montana zoning laws to allow taller buildings and more flexible housing options in certain municipalities. It requires cities with over 5,000 residents to permit multiple-unit dwellings and mixed-use developments in commercial zones with municipal water and sewer access. The legislation also limits local governments from imposing more than one off-street parking space per unit, restricting parking requirements to those needed for accessibility, and preventing height restrictions on buildings from being fewer than six stories in qualifying urban areas. Additionally, the bill defines key terms like duplex housing and mixed-use developments to clarify what types of structures can be built under these new rules.
This bill prevents local governments in Montana from banning short-term rentals of a property owner's primary residence, including accessory dwelling units or homes on neighboring lots that share a boundary. It defines a primary residence as a home where the owner lives at least 183 days per year and applies to all county and municipal zoning regulations. The law also amends existing state statutes to limit local zoning authority, ensuring communities cannot impose fees or restrictions that would prevent these specific rental arrangements. Property owners who meet the occupancy requirement can now rent out their homes or nearby properties without local prohibition, regardless of how their jurisdiction is divided into zoning districts.
This bill creates a new annual lottery game called Montana Millions to generate funds for property tax assistance in Montana. The game would be held once per year on July 4th, offering four $1 million prizes and allowing the sale of 500,000 tickets at $20 each. After covering administrative costs and prize money, the remaining revenue would be transferred to the state property tax assistance account to help eligible residents. The legislation includes a $50,000 appropriation from the general fund to implement the program starting in July 2025, and it would only take effect if a related Senate Bill No. 90 is also passed.
This bill establishes a property tax deferral loan program in Montana to help eligible homeowners manage rising property tax costs. The program directly affects senior citizens aged 62 and older, active-duty military personnel from Montana, and surviving spouses of qualifying property owners who meet specific equity and residency requirements. Under the bill, the state Board of Housing can provide loans to cover the difference between current property taxes and 2022 tax amounts, with annual increases allowed as long as eligibility is maintained. The loans accrue simple interest at the lesser of the prime mortgage rate or 5% and become a lien on the property, requiring homeowners to carry hazard insurance and meet income and equity thresholds.
This bill directs the Montana Insurance Commissioner to transfer $10 million annually from insurance premium tax revenue to the State Property Tax Assistance Account, which is intended to provide financial relief to property tax payers. The legislation amends existing state law to establish this funding mechanism and includes an immediate appropriation of $50,000 from the general fund to support implementation. The bill is contingent on the passage of Senate Bill No. 90, which would create the state property tax assistance account, and will not take effect if that related legislation is not approved.
This bill allows local governments in Montana to cancel agricultural covenants on land that has been annexed into a municipality, enabling the land to be developed without undergoing subdivision review. The law applies specifically to properties that previously received exemptions from subdivision requirements under state agricultural zoning laws. Under the new provisions, a governing body can revoke the covenant if the land is annexed, provided that original lot lines are restored or the land is used for public purposes, though public hearings are required for certain revocations. Sanitary restrictions related to water and waste remain unaffected by this change.
