HB 88: Allow for automatic return of certain unclaimed property - Montana

HB0088_2(9).pdf → HB0088_X.pdf · 4 edits

MODERATE

This bill updates Montana's unclaimed property law to allow the Department of Revenue to automatically return small unclaimed property (valued at $1,000 or less) directly to owners without requiring a formal claim filing, provided the department can reasonably verify the owner's identity and address. The change simplifies the process for owners of small amounts of unclaimed property while maintaining oversight requirements for the department. The bill also includes formatting updates and clarifies the effective date of the legislation.

Scope change

The bill expands the scope of automatic returns to include property valued at $1,000 or less, whereas previously all unclaimed property required a formal claim process regardless of value.

ELIGIBILITY

Added automatic return eligibility for unclaimed property valued at $1,000 or less when the department can reasonably verify the owner's identity and address.

REQUIREMENT

Updated record-keeping requirements to document proof of ownership, proof of identity, and confirmation that property was returned to the owner when automatic returns are made.

TIMELINE

Changed the effective date from 'on passage and approval' to 'immediate' to allow the new automatic return provisions to take effect right away.

TECHNICAL

Updated bill formatting, numbering, and removed redundant text while preserving the core legislative intent.

HB0088_2(8).pdf → HB0088_2(9).pdf · 4 edits

MODERATE

HB 88 was revised to clarify and standardize the formatting of the bill text, including the title, section numbering, and effective date provisions. The substantive legal content regarding unclaimed property claims remains unchanged, but the document structure was updated to align with enrolled bill standards.

Scope change

No substantive change to the bill's scope or applicability; changes are primarily formatting and structural.

TECHNICAL

The bill title was restructured from a multi-line format to a single continuous line with proper capitalization and punctuation.

Section numbering was updated from 'Section 1' and 'Section 2' to a sequential line-number format (1-13) consistent with enrolled bill conventions.

The effective date section was repositioned and reformatted, moving from Section 2 to a new section between the main amendment and the end of the bill.

Removed certification language, signatures, and legislative history notes that were present in the original version but not needed in the final enrolled version.

HB0088_2(7).pdf → HB0088_2(8).pdf · 3 edits

MINOR

The bill was transitioned from a draft version to an enrolled bill, indicating it has passed both legislative chambers and been signed into law. The substantive policy content regarding unclaimed property return rules remains unchanged, with only formatting and certification language added.

TECHNICAL

Added official certification language and signatures for the House and Senate confirming the bill has been enrolled and approved.

Changed bill designation from 'HB0088.2' to 'HB 88' to reflect its final enrolled status.

Removed draft version headers and page markers that were present in the earlier version.

HB0088_1(9).pdf → HB0088_2.pdf · 2 edits

MINOR

The bill adds new record-keeping requirements when the Administrator waives certain identity verification steps and delivers property directly to a person. The change ensures that proof of ownership, proof of identity, and confirmation of property return are documented even when standard verification procedures are bypassed.

Scope change

The bill's scope expanded to include mandatory documentation requirements for property returns when administrative waivers are used, adding a layer of accountability to the existing process.

REQUIREMENT

Added a new subsection requiring the Administrator to document and keep records of proof of ownership, proof of identity, and confirmation that property was returned to the owner when delivering property directly to a person after waiving verification requirements.

TECHNICAL

Minor formatting changes to bill numbering and header information between versions 1 and 2.

LC0094.pdf → HB0088_1.pdf · 2 edits

MINOR

The bill was renumbered from LC 0094 to HB 88.1, indicating it was introduced as a House Bill rather than a Legislative Committee Bill. The document title was updated to reflect 'Authorized Print Version - HB 88' instead of LC 94, suggesting a formal transition in the legislative process. No substantive policy changes, funding amounts, eligibility criteria, or enforcement mechanisms were altered in this version.

TECHNICAL

Bill number changed from LC 0094 to HB 88.1, indicating a procedural update in the legislative process.

Title updated to 'Authorized Print Version - HB 88' replacing 'LC 94', reflecting the bill's new official designation.

Allow for automatic return of certain unclaimed property

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