This bill requires nonprofit hospitals in Montana to report their community benefit spending (like charity care and health programs) to the state health department. If a hospital's reported community benefits don't cover its potential property tax liability (the tax it would owe if not exempt), it must pay a fee equal to the difference. The fee funds a special account that provides annual funding to critical access hospitals based on bed count. This directly affects nonprofit hospitals that currently qualify for property tax exemptions but may not meet the new community benefit threshold.
This bill establishes a $50 nonresident license for shed hunting (collecting naturally shed antlers) on Montana's wildlife management areas. It directly affects nonresidents who wish to participate in this activity. The bill creates a three-tier penalty system for violations: a warning for a first offense, fines up to twice the license cost plus possible license forfeiture for a second offense, and fines up to $500 plus permanent license forfeiture for a third offense. The bill also defines "shed hunt" and "shed hunting" and amends related sections of Montana law to implement these changes.
This bill redirects 60.2% of lodging tax revenue (from hotels, rentals, etc.) to fund property tax assistance for Montana primary residence owners. It amends existing tax distribution rules to allocate these funds specifically through the Department of Commerce for property tax relief programs. The measure directly affects homeowners who qualify for this assistance, using existing lodging tax revenue instead of new taxes. Other portions of the lodging tax fund tourism, historical preservation, and state parks, but this bill's core change is the dedicated property tax support.
This bill creates a new technology interim committee to oversee Montana's state government information technology systems. The committee will review legislative appropriations for IT projects, ensure consistent application of technology-related laws across state agencies, and monitor best practices for emerging technologies. It directly affects the Department of Administration's IT division and state agencies implementing technology projects. The committee's work will focus on budget oversight, policy consistency, and ensuring Montana's IT infrastructure protects digital information.
Montana's LC 1226 revises the state's SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) rules. It requires the state department to seek federal waivers to: (1) restrict SNAP purchases to healthy foods like fruits, vegetables, meat, and dairy; and (2) limit EBT card use for household food purchases to individuals over 16. The bill also creates a "transitional benefits" program that gradually reduces SNAP benefits as household income rises (e.g., 100% at ≤138% of federal poverty level, stepping down to 20% at >190%), while requiring beneficiaries to meet standard SNAP rules. Annual reports on waiver status and spending patterns must be submitted to the governor and relevant committees. These changes directly affect Montana SNAP recipients and the state's administration of federal nutrition benefits.
This Montana bill (LC 4355) creates an income tax credit for businesses that direct payment processing fees (like credit card processing costs) to charitable organizations. The credit equals the amount of those fees directed to charities and can be applied against either individual or corporate income tax. Any unused credit can be carried forward for up to two years. The bill defines "charitable organization" as one qualifying under federal tax law and clarifies that this credit does not replace existing charitable deduction options.
This bill (LC 3082) requires lobbyists to file a disclosure before lobbying on behalf of state/local government agencies or nonprofits, identifying whether the client receives federal funds and verifying the lobbyist’s compensation isn’t derived from federal money. A $10 filing fee is required for this disclosure. It applies to all lobbying activities targeting these entities and aims to ensure compliance with federal restrictions on using federal funds for lobbying. The law amends Montana’s lobbying regulations (sections 5-7-102 and 5-7-112, MCA) and takes effect immediately.
This bill changes how Montana property taxes are calculated by requiring appraisers to use a 10-year average of market values (excluding the highest and lowest years) instead of a single-year value. It directly affects all property taxpayers, including homeowners and businesses, as it alters the baseline for determining taxable property value. The key provision amends Montana law to establish this averaging method for most taxable property, aiming to create more stable and predictable annual tax assessments. This change applies broadly, with specific exceptions for agricultural equipment, condominiums, and commercial properties as outlined in the bill.
LC 3626 updates Montana's laws governing limited liability company (LLC) operating agreements - the internal rules LLCs use to manage their affairs. It clarifies that operating agreements must follow specific interpretation rules (referencing Title 28, Chapter 3) and prohibits them from unreasonably restricting member rights, eliminating the duty of loyalty, or reducing the duty of care. The bill also specifies that certain major decisions - such as admitting new members, selling company assets, or dissolving the LLC - require all members' consent unless the agreement states otherwise. These changes directly affect LLC members and managers who draft or follow these agreements.
This bill amends Montana law to prevent counties from including certain "sensitive lands" requirements in growth policies for areas outside city boundaries. It directly affects counties, cities, and landowners in rural areas by restricting how local governments can regulate land use outside incorporated cities. The key change prohibits counties from imposing specific land use rules (like those for natural resources or fire safety) on rural lands within their zoning policies. The bill also revises county zoning requirements and includes a funding appropriation, amending sections 76-1-601, 76-2-203, and 76-2-212 of Montana Code Annotated.
This Montana constitutional amendment would allow state and local governments to ban and punish the distribution or receipt of child pornography that violates federal laws, and create a private right for individuals to sue violators. It would override any conflicting state laws, require voter approval in the November 2026 election, and mandate attorney fees for successful lawsuits. The amendment does not create new criminal penalties but clarifies Montana’s authority to enforce existing federal child pornography laws through state action.
This bill creates a Montana grant program to fund fire department health and safety equipment. It establishes a special account funded by charitable donations and a $10 application fee, allowing fire departments (created under Title 7, Chapter 33) to apply for grants. Grants can cover up to $10,000 per department annually for items like personal protective equipment, saunas, and shower facilities, with priority given to rural departments and those with smaller budgets. Applications require an itemized list of requested equipment, and the program is administered by the Department of Military Affairs' disaster services division.
