Housing

introduced · Montana · Legislature Jan 23, 2025

LC 1016: Revise zoning laws to clarify decisions regarding prior nonconforming use of property

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.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill protects property rights and clarifies zoning to favor allowing existing nonconforming uses, which supports housing development and property owner interests.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Historic Preservation Zoning

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introduced · Montana · Legislature Feb 6, 2025

LC 2128: Revise tax lien and deed laws and provide equity threshold

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.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill strengthens consumer protection by requiring detailed tax notices, establishing equity thresholds before tax deeds, and mandating transparent online bidding, promoting fiscal responsibility and protecting property owners from aggressive tax c...85% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill strengthens property owner protections and requires detailed notices before tax liens/deeds, preventing loss of housing due to tax issues.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Property Taxes

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introduced · Montana · Legislature Jan 23, 2025

LC 3015: Establish grant program to increase community shelter capacity for homeless population

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.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill establishes a grant program with state matching funds to expand homeless shelter capacity, directly increasing funding for public services and social programs.90% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill provides grant funding for shelters serving populations with mental health and substance use disorders, indirectly supporting healthcare access for vulnerable groups.75% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill creates grant program to expand shelter capacity for homeless population, directly funding housing-related services and increasing shelter availability.95% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill provides state matching funds for shelters serving veterans among other populations, directly supporting veteran housing services.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Homelessness Veteran Housing

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introduced · Montana · Legislature Jan 29, 2025

LC 808: Amend zoning regulations to allow taller buildings

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.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill allows taller buildings, multiple-unit dwellings, and mixed-use developments while limiting parking requirements, directly increasing housing supply and affordability.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Land Use Property Development Zoning

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introduced · Montana · Legislature Feb 25, 2025

LC 3403: Revise zoning laws related to the rental of a primary residence

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.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill prevents local governments from banning short-term rentals of primary residences, increasing housing availability and protecting property rights for homeowners.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Landlords Renters Zoning

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introduced · Montana · Legislature Mar 20, 2025

LC 4442: Revise lottery state finance laws related to property tax relief

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.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill creates new lottery to generate funds for property tax assistance, directly supporting tax relief for residents and increasing state budget allocation for property tax relief programs.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill creates lottery to fund property tax assistance, directly supporting housing affordability for eligible residents85% confidence

Sub-Topics Property Taxes

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introduced · Montana · Legislature Mar 14, 2025

LC 3693: Provide for a property tax deferral loan program

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.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill provides property tax relief to seniors and military through deferral loans, directly supporting tax assistance for vulnerable populations.90% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill establishes property tax deferral loans for seniors and military to help manage housing costs, directly supporting affordable housing access for vulnerable populations.85% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill includes active-duty military personnel from Montana as eligible recipients of property tax deferral loans, providing financial assistance to veterans.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Tax Incentives Mortgages Property Taxes

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introduced · Montana · Legislature Mar 20, 2025

LC 4443: Revise allocation of the insurance premium tax to fund property tax relief

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.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill directs insurance premium tax revenue to fund property tax relief, directly supporting taxpayers and strengthening fiscal assistance programs.90% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill provides property tax relief to homeowners, which indirectly supports housing affordability and stability by reducing financial burden on property owners.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Revenue Property Taxes

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introduced · Montana · Legislature Feb 24, 2025

LC 3253: Generally revise residential landlord and tenant laws

This bill revises Montana's residential landlord and tenant laws by updating definitions and requiring a 90-day notice period for changes or termination of rental agreements entered into after one year with a property management company. The legislation directly affects landlords, tenants, and property management companies by clarifying terms such as "property management company," "good faith," and "dwelling unit" to ensure consistent application across the state. Key provisions include establishing what constitutes an emergency situation, defining guest stay limits, and specifying how rent and rental agreements are interpreted. These changes aim to provide clearer legal standards for residential leasing relationships without altering existing rights or obligations for either party.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill strengthens tenant protections by clarifying definitions and requiring longer notice periods for rental changes, directly supporting housing stability and tenant rights.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Landlords Renters Tenant Rights

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introduced · Montana · Legislature Jan 8, 2025

LC 936: Revise definition of infrastructure for resort tax

This bill expands the definition of "infrastructure" for Montana's resort tax to include workforce and community housing projects, allowing funds collected from tourists to be used for housing development in addition to traditional infrastructure like roads, utilities, and emergency services. The change directly affects resort area districts and communities where more than half of the economy relies on tourism, enabling these areas to leverage resort tax revenue for housing initiatives. By amending section 7-6-1501 of the Montana Code Annotated, the legislation clarifies that housing projects now qualify as eligible infrastructure uses for resort tax levies. The bill takes effect immediately upon passage and approval, providing an updated framework for how tourism revenue can be allocated in designated resort areas and communities.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill expands resort tax definition to fund housing projects, increasing available funding for essential community infrastructure and services.90% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill expands resort tax definition to include workforce and community housing projects, enabling funding for housing development in tourism-dependent areas.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Revenue Property Development

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