SB 184 revises election laws concerning precinct committee representatives for political parties. The bill provides that if a political party chooses to elect these representatives in a primary election, only contested races - where there are more candidates than available positions - will appear on the primary ballot. For uncontested positions, the election administrator may declare the filed candidate elected by acclamation, removing the need for a ballot election for that specific role. It also clarifies that write-in candidates must file a declaration of intent and that tie votes are resolved by the county central committee.
HB 48 revises the state's Dam Safety Act by adding a new exemption. The bill specifies that certain provisions of the Dam Safety Act will no longer apply to dams used for public sewage systems or public sewage disposal systems. This change directly affects municipalities and other entities operating these wastewater management facilities. These systems remain regulated by the Department of Environmental Quality under separate environmental quality statutes.
Senate Bill 365 revises the capacity requirements for siltation structures at strip and underground mines in Montana. The bill amends Section 82-4-231, MCA, which outlines the process for mine operators to submit and obtain approval for reclamation plans. It grants rulemaking authority to the relevant department to establish specific requirements for these structures. The changes aim to ensure effective water control measures are included in reclamation plans to prevent damages from soil erosion and water pollution.
HB 189 revises the eligibility requirements for reimbursement from the petroleum tank release cleanup fund. It primarily changes the date for which cleanup expenses can be reimbursed, extending it from April 13, 1989, to January 1, 1984, for certain owners and operators of petroleum storage tanks. This adjustment allows for the reimbursement of older cleanup costs for releases from eligible tanks. The bill also extends rulemaking authority related to these provisions.
This bill prohibits county treasurers from selling tax deeds for residential property to foreign entities. It defines what constitutes a "foreign entity" and a "domestic entity." When a tax deed for residential property is auctioned, the bill requires potential buyers to provide proof of their domestic entity status. This measure aims to restrict foreign entities from acquiring residential property through the tax deed process.
HB 179 revises Montana's election laws concerning inactive voter status. This bill clarifies the specific actions that will move a voter from the inactive list to the active list. It explicitly states that signing a petition for a statewide ballot issue will not reactivate an inactive voter. Instead, inactive voters must vote, update their address in writing, or complete a reactivation form with the county election administrator to be moved to the active list. This affects registered voters who are currently on the inactive list.
HB 88 revises laws concerning unclaimed property, allowing the Department of Revenue to automatically return certain property to its owners. This automatic return is permitted for unclaimed property valued at $1,000 or less. The administrator can directly pay or deliver this property if they can verify the apparent owner's identity and address, waiving the usual requirement for a formal claim.
SB 198 generally revises professional occupation laws related to private security by clarifying several key definitions. The bill amends Section 37-60-101, MCA, to refine the definitions of "electronic security firm," "private security guard," and "security alarm installer." It specifies that an "electronic security firm" employs security alarm installers and excludes locksmiths who also install certain camera or door devices from being classified under these terms. Additionally, it updates the employer of a "private security guard" from an "agency" to a "firm."
SB 190 allows individuals or entities applying for new water use permits or changes to existing water rights to streamline their application process. This is achieved by enabling existing water right holders to voluntarily provide written consent. If consent is given, the applicant is no longer required to prove that their proposed water use will not negatively affect the specific consenting water rights. This change aims to simplify the permit approval process under certain conditions.
HB 233 establishes a process for homeowners' associations (HOAs) to acquire ownership of open spaces, parks, and common-use areas within a recorded subdivision plat. An HOA can petition the local governing body for this transfer if its covenants require it to maintain these areas and the original subdivider intended for the HOA to own them. The process includes a public hearing where the governing body reviews the petition and makes a decision based on specific criteria. If approved, the transfer of title to the HOA is officially recorded, allowing the HOA to formally own and manage these common areas.
SB 101 creates new offenses for "unlawful squatting" (entering and staying on property without owner consent) and "fraudulent sale or lease" (advertising property for sale/rent without legal rights). Property owners gain clearer authority to request law enforcement removal of unauthorized occupants, with officers allowed to charge a service fee. Occupants convicted of unlawful squatting face misdemeanor penalties and must pay restitution equal to fair market rent for their stay. The bill also establishes a civil remedy for wrongful removal claims, allowing affected individuals to seek damages and attorney fees.
SB 124 revises electronic license privacy law in Montana. It clarifies that displaying an electronic driver's license on a device or handing the device to a peace officer does not grant consent for the officer to search or seize that electronic device. This bill directly affects individuals who use electronic driver's licenses and law enforcement officers, establishing a clear boundary for device privacy during traffic stops or similar interactions.
