Sen. Mary Ann Dunwell

Maddy summarySB 496 would have established rules for when Montana's governor does not occupy the state-owned executive residence (located at 2 Carson Street in Helena). It required the Department of Administration to make the residence available for rent to temporary legislative employees during sessions and breaks, with priority given to employees with disabilities. The bill directed the Department of Administration and Legislative Services Division to create specific rules on rental fees, occupancy limits, and other details. This procedural bill, which died in committee in May 2025, aimed to provide a clear policy for using the property but did not become law.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SJ 45) requests a committee study to address Montana's vacant governor's residence, which costs $100,000 annually in upkeep while renovation is stalled due to budget constraints and delays. The study will examine necessary repairs to meet safety codes, nonessential upgrades, and alternatives like renovation, demolition, or sale. It requires the committee to report findings to the 70th Legislature by 2026, focusing on cost-effective solutions for the 12,259-square-foot Capitol Complex property. The resolution does not enact policy but seeks a plan for a state-owned asset currently unused and deteriorating.

Maddy summarySB 126 would revise Montana's tenant moveout laws by clarifying what constitutes normal wear (like small nail holes or normal carpet wear), limiting landlords' cleaning charges to professional cleaner costs, and prohibiting deductions for carpeting or repainting after a 2-year tenancy. It requires landlords to provide tenants with a copy of a professional cleaner's bill if used and shortens the timeline for refunding security deposits from 30 to 21 days after move-out. The bill also mandates written notice before imposing cleaning charges and restricts deductions to actual damages beyond normal wear. This directly affects tenants (who pay security deposits) and landlords (who manage those deposits).

Maddy summarySB 169 would revise Montana's property tax law by removing the tax exemption for certain intangible personal property, such as stocks, bonds, patents, software, and licenses, unless they are directly used in business operations. This change would affect businesses and property owners holding these assets, requiring them to pay property taxes on previously exempt items. The bill clarifies that intangible property lacking physical existence (like goodwill) or representing value (like financial instruments) is no longer exempt, while property integral to business operations remains exempt. The law would take effect for tax years beginning after December 31, 2025, with implementation starting January 1, 2026.

Maddy summarySB 512 requires Montana's Department of Revenue to publicly post settlement agreements for property tax disputes involving industrial or centrally assessed properties on its website. This includes disclosing the valuation the department initially proposed before settlement and the final agreed-upon valuation. The bill directly affects property owners, corporations, and the public by increasing transparency around tax settlements. It amends existing law to mandate this disclosure as a standard requirement for such agreements. The bill does not change dispute resolution procedures but adds a transparency component to finalized settlements.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SJ 38) requests a study of Montana's property tax system to examine its complexity. It directs a committee to analyze the state's 18 property tax classes, varying tax rates, valuation methods, exemptions, and settlement processes, with the goal of identifying potential simplification options like consolidating classes or balancing tax liabilities. The study, required to be completed by September 2026, will inform the 70th Legislature but does not change tax laws. It affects all entities relying on property taxes, including state, local governments, schools, and taxpayers.

Maddy summarySB 139 would remove an existing exemption that allows clergy members (like priests or ministers) to avoid reporting suspected child abuse or neglect if they learned about it during a confidential religious confession or counseling session. The bill directly affects Montana clergy who serve in religious roles, requiring them to report all suspected abuse just like other mandated reporters (such as teachers or doctors). It eliminates the current legal protection that lets clergy refuse to report based on confidentiality from religious communications, making them subject to the same mandatory reporting duties as other professionals. The bill would take effect immediately upon enactment, changing Montana law to require clergy to report suspected child abuse without exception.

Maddy summarySB 189 lowers property tax rates for specific categories in Montana. It reduces the tax rate for Class Three agricultural land from 2.16% to 1.85% of its agricultural value, and cuts the standard residential tax rate from 1.35% to 0.76% of market value (with a reduced rate for homes over $1.5 million). Commercial property tax rates also decrease, from a previous 1.4x multiplier to 1.35% of market value. The bill applies retroactively to 2025 tax years, meaning affected property owners may receive refunds for past taxes paid under the higher rates. It directly impacts Montana landowners with agricultural properties, residential homes (especially higher-value ones), and commercial properties.

Maddy summarySB 125 updates Montana's rules for community homes supporting people with developmental disabilities. It requires homes to create written health and safety policies, mandates a 28-day public comment period on license applications for neighbors within half a mile, and establishes a formal complaint process with the Department of Public Health and Human Services. The department must investigate complaints about policy violations or unsafe conditions, attempt mediation, and issue findings within 180 days. These changes directly affect community homes, the licensing department, and nearby residents who can provide input on new facilities.