Housing

died · Montana · Senate May 23, 2025

SB 173: Provide income tax relief for property taxes paid

SB 173 proposes two main tax relief measures: a new "workforce renter's tax credit" for Montana renters under 62 with household income under $45,000 who pay rent equivalent to property taxes (with rent at least 30% of earned income), offering credits up to $1,750 based on rent-to-income ratio; and an increased residential property tax credit for elderly homeowners, including inflation adjustments to prevent the credit from losing value over time. The bill specifically allows qualifying teachers to exclude certain non-teaching income when calculating the renter credit. It directly affects low-to-moderate-income renters and elderly homeowners, providing them direct tax relief through refundable credits. The bill was introduced but died in committee in May 2025.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesProvides tax credits for lower-income renters ($45k income cap) and elderly homeowners, reducing tax burden per support indicators for middle/lower income relief.90% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingProvides direct tax relief to low-income renters (under $45k) via renter's credit, increasing housing affordability for vulnerable populations.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Business Taxes Income Tax Affordable Housing Property Taxes Renters

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died · Montana · Senate May 23, 2025

SB 266: Revise municipal zoning to allow for triplex and fourplex housing

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.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill mandates cities to allow triplexes/fourplexes in single-family zones, increasing housing supply and affordability by expanding development options without stricter rules.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Zoning

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signed · Montana · House May 19, 2025

HB 931: Allow for nonprofit development and management of attainable workforce housing on state lands

HB 931 clarifies that developing single-family or multifamily residential housing can be considered a commercial purpose for leasing state trust land. The bill specifically allows nonprofit corporations to lease state trust land to develop "attainable workforce housing." It revises the definition of "commercial purpose" within state law to include such residential developments under a master lease. This change aims to enable the creation of housing for workers on state-owned land.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill explicitly enables nonprofit development of workforce housing on state lands, directly advancing affordable housing access for workers.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Property Development

died · Montana · House May 20, 2025

HB 843: Create Montana emergency solutions grant for rapid re-housing

HB 843 aimed to establish a Montana emergency solutions grant to help individuals experiencing or at risk of homelessness. It proposed appropriating $1 million annually for fiscal years 2025 and 2026 from the state's general fund to the Department of Public Health and Human Services. These funds would supplement federal emergency solutions grants for rapid re-housing assistance. The bill would have allowed for rental assistance up to 150% of the fair market rent for program participants with incomes below 80% of the area median income.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesAppropriates $1M annually from state general fund for homelessness housing, directly funding an essential public service through state budget allocation.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingCreates $1M annual grant for rapid re-housing assistance to prevent homelessness, directly funding housing solutions for vulnerable populations.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Homelessness Renters

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died · Montana · House May 20, 2025

HB 871: Revise requirements to connect to municipal water/sewer system

HB 871 aimed to prevent municipalities from requiring a zoning change, specifically from single-family to multi-family, for parcels of land located outside city limits to connect to municipal water or sewer systems. It would have amended existing law to explicitly prohibit this requirement. The bill also included a $1,000 appropriation to the Department of Environmental Quality for updating related documents. This measure would have primarily affected property owners outside city boundaries seeking to access municipal utility services.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingRemoves zoning barrier for multi-family development outside city limits, facilitating housing projects and aligning with affordable housing development goals.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Zoning

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died · Montana · House May 20, 2025

HB 310: Establish grant program to increase community shelter capacity for homeless population

HB 310 proposed establishing a state matching grant program to increase community shelter capacity for the homeless population. Administered by the Department of Public Health and Human Services, these grants would help local governments and eligible nonprofit organizations. The funds would specifically target services for senior citizens, veterans, survivors of domestic violence, youth transitioning from foster care, and individuals with mental health or substance use disorders. Applicants would be required to provide matching funds and collaborate with existing homelessness service providers. The bill appropriated $2 million from the general fund for the program, which was set to operate from July 2025 to June 2027.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill establishes state matching grants (approp) for homeless shelter capacity, increasing public funding for essential social services targeting vulnerable populations.90% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill explicitly targets mental health services for homeless individuals with mental health disorders through state grant program.90% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill establishes state grants to increase homeless shelter capacity, directly funding housing services for vulnerable groups including seniors, veterans, and those with mental health needs, addressing homelessness.95% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill explicitly targets veterans as a primary beneficiary group for grant-funded shelter services under the community shelter program, directly advancing veteran support through funding.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Public Health Homelessness Veteran Housing

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died · Montana · House May 20, 2025

HB 776: Generally revise residential landlord and tenant laws

HB 776 aimed to generally revise laws governing residential landlord and tenant relationships. The bill would have required property management companies to provide 90 days' notice to tenants for any changes to or termination of a rental agreement, specifically for tenancies exceeding one year. It also proposed updates to various definitions relevant to landlord-tenant interactions, including "property management company" and "case of emergency." Additionally, it would have adjusted the notice requirements for extending written rental agreements.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingRequires 90-day notice for lease changes/termination, strengthening tenant protections against sudden housing disruptions.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Landlords Renters Tenant Rights

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died · Montana · Senate May 23, 2025

SB 504: Provide grants for permanent supportive housing facilities

SB 504 proposes creating a $75 million grant program to fund permanent supportive housing projects in Montana. The bill would provide grants to nonprofit organizations for constructing, rehabilitating, or acquiring housing that offers long-term affordable leases (for residents earning 60% or less of the area median income) and onsite support services like mental health care, job assistance, and addiction recovery. It allocates $50 million from the general fund and $25 million from a behavioral health fund, with grants disbursed based on project proposals and adherence to specific conditions, including outcome tracking. The program, administered by the Montana Department of Commerce, aims to directly support homeless or at-risk individuals through housing and integrated services, effective July 1, 2025. (Note: The bill died in process in May 2025 and did not become law.)

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill allocates $50M from general fund and $25M from behavioral health fund for housing grants, directly increasing state spending on public services. This funding initiative strengthens budgetary support for affordable housing programs.90% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareFunds housing projects with mandatory onsite mental health services, directly expanding healthcare access for low-income residents through integrated support.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingAllocates $75M for permanent supportive housing grants targeting 60% AMI residents with onsite services, directly advancing affordable housing access and supportive housing initiatives.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Substance Abuse Homelessness

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died · Montana · Senate May 23, 2025

SB 225: Provide income tax credit for renters

SB 225 would create a refundable income tax credit for Montana renters with household income under $45,000. The credit equals the lesser of 4% of rent paid above household income or $500, phasing out completely for incomes of $45,000 or more. It directly affects low-to-moderate-income renters who pay rent in Montana, providing a refund even if they owe no income tax. The bill also amends tax code sections to include this credit in regular review cycles and prohibits claiming it alongside the existing elderly property tax credit.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesProvides refundable tax credit for low-income renters ($45k income cap), directly reducing tax burden and increasing disposable income for housing costs.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingProvides refundable tax credit to low-income renters ($45k income cap), directly increasing housing affordability and reducing rent burden for vulnerable tenants.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Business Taxes Income Tax Tax Credits Property Taxes Renters Tenant Rights

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died · Montana · House May 20, 2025

HB 277: Require a minimum lease term for mobile home lot rentals

HB 277 would have required a minimum 3-year lease term for mobile home lot rentals in Montana, affecting mobile home park landlords and tenants. This default 3-year term could be waived by a tenant through a documented, informed request for a shorter term. The bill also mandated that landlords provide at least 180 days' written notice before terminating a lease. It further outlined monetary damages for parties who terminate a rental agreement without cause before its expiration.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingRequires 3-year lease terms and 180-day notice, strengthening tenant protections against arbitrary eviction in mobile home parks.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Landlords Tenant Rights

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