Budget & Taxes

introduced · Montana · Legislature Jan 10, 2025

LC 2615: Provide grant funding for senior citizen centers

This bill creates a grant program to help nonprofit organizations and government agencies that serve Montana seniors over age 60 with construction, maintenance, and equipment needs for their centers. The Department of Commerce will administer up to $5 million in funding for projects like building repairs, remodeling, and purchasing appliances, with grants capped at $250,000 per project and $350,000 per county. To receive funding, organizations must submit proposals and provide matching funds or in-kind contributions for grants of $25,000 or more, while also following project management and reporting requirements. The program is funded through a transfer from the state general fund and is authorized to continue through the 2029 biennium, with the entire act set to expire in 2031.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill allocates $5M in grant funding for senior citizen centers, directly increasing state budget spending on public services for seniors.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Procurement

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died · Montana · Legislature Jan 15, 2025

LC 1860: Provide income tax relief for property taxes paid

This bill creates a new Montana tax credit for renters under 62 with household income below $45,000 who pay rent-equivalent property taxes, allowing them to claim up to $1,200 or $1,750 depending on their rent-to-income ratio. It also permits qualifying teachers to exclude certain earned income when calculating their eligibility for this credit. The legislation increases the residential property tax credit for elderly taxpayers and adjusts the income thresholds where these credits begin to phase out. Additionally, the bill schedules periodic reviews of various state tax credits starting in 2025 to assess their effectiveness and impact on taxpayers.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill provides income tax relief for renters and elderly taxpayers, directly addressing tax policy to reduce financial burden on specific groups.90% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill allows qualifying teachers to exclude certain earned income for tax credit eligibility, providing financial relief to educators.70% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill provides tax credits for renters and elderly property owners, directly supporting affordable housing and tenant financial relief.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Business Taxes Property Tax Tax Credits Landlords Property Taxes Renters

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introduced · Montana · Legislature Jan 14, 2025

LC 1640: Legislative referendum on state surplus revenue

This bill proposes sending a legislative referendum to Montana voters in November 2026 to decide whether the state can return excess revenue to resident income taxpaye rs. If approved, the legislature would gain the authority to create a program that refunds surplus state funds to taxpayers who pay income tax. The bill outlines that lawmakers would determine specific details such as the revenue threshold for refunds, how to calculate refund amounts, who qualifies, and how to distribute the money. The measure does not establish the refund program itself but instead asks voters whether to allow the legislature to create it in the future.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill proposes returning excess revenue to taxpayers, providing tax relief and promoting fiscal responsibility by refunding surplus funds to income taxpaye rs.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Income Tax Revenue State Budget

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introduced · Montana · Legislature Mar 4, 2025

LC 2505: Increase elderly homeowner and renter income tax credit

This bill increases the maximum income tax credit available to elderly homeowners and renters in Montana by adjusting the credit calculation thresholds and amounts. It directly affects seniors who own or rent their primary residences by providing a tax credit that offsets a portion of their property taxes or rent-equivalent costs. The key mechanism involves raising the income threshold at which the credit begins to phase out and increasing the maximum credit amount, while also updating the definition of household income to $14,100 for calculation purposes. The bill includes an inflationary adjustment provision to ensure the credit maximum and phase-out income levels keep pace with economic changes.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill increases tax credits for elderly homeowners and renters, providing tax relief to lower-income seniors and reducing their financial burden.90% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill increases tax credits for elderly homeowners and renters, directly supporting affordable housing by reducing housing cost burdens for seniors.90% confidence

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

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introduced · Montana · Legislature Dec 23, 2024

LC 2572: Exempt a portion of interest earnings from individual income tax

This bill modifies Montana's individual income tax calculation by exempting certain interest earnings from state taxation while requiring that such interest income still be reported on federal tax forms. The key provision creates a deduction for interest from U.S. government obligations and exempt-interest dividends, but limits the deduction amount based on the taxpayer's filing status. Additionally, the bill adjusts how various other income items are treated when calculating Montana taxable income, including provisions for pass-through entities, state tax deductions, and specific savings account withdrawals. The legislation applies to individual taxpayers filing Montana state income tax returns and includes a delayed effective date for implementation.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill provides tax relief by exempting certain interest earnings from state taxation, reducing individual tax burden and promoting fiscal responsibility.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Business Taxes Income Tax

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introduced · Montana · Legislature Feb 6, 2025

LC 2376: Generally revise state finance laws

This bill revises Montana's state finance laws by updating how investment income is split between the general fund and the debt and liability free account, requiring an equal 50/50 distribution starting in fiscal year 2025. It establishes a $150 million cap on the debt and liability free account, mandating that any excess funds be transferred to the pension state special revenue account to boost its balance to $300 million. The legislation also clarifies reporting requirements for the debt and liability free account and adjusts employer supplemental contribution rates for retirement systems. These changes directly affect state budget management, debt repayment strategies, and pension funding levels.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill strengthens state finance laws by ensuring balanced investment income distribution and boosting pension reserves, promoting fiscal responsibility and long-term financial stability.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Pensions State Budget

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introduced · Montana · Legislature Feb 13, 2025

LC 1029: Provide a 5 year prepaid property tax exemption during subdivision development

This bill creates a temporary property tax exemption for real property undergoing subdivision development in Montana. To qualify, developers must submit an approved exemption application and prepay five years of property taxes before January 1 of the tax year. The exemption lasts up to five years regardless of ownership changes or land splits, but ends when a habitable dwelling is built on a lot or when 95% of the subdivision is complete. The Montana Department of Revenue will manage the program through new rules and amend existing tax assessment procedures to handle these exemptions.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill provides temporary property tax exemption for subdivision development, reducing tax burden on developers and promoting housing development through fiscal incentives.85% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill provides tax incentives to encourage subdivision development, which can increase housing supply and support housing development.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Property Tax Tax Incentives Property Development Property Taxes

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introduced · Montana · Legislature Feb 21, 2025

LC 4170: Require reporting of building permits for appraisal information

This bill requires local governments and the Department of Labor and Industry to send copies of new building and electrical permits to the Department of Revenue within one month of issuance. The permits must include clear location information such as an address, geocode, or legal description to help identify new construction projects. This change directly affects cities, towns, counties, and consolidated city-counties that issue permits, as well as the state revenue department that will receive the data. The primary purpose is to improve the tracking of new construction for appraisal and revenue purposes.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill improves property tax administration by enabling better assessment of new construction, supporting accurate tax collection and fiscal management.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Revenue

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introduced · Montana · Legislature Jan 7, 2025

LC 2814: Revise teacher stipends for national board certification

This bill increases professional stipends for Montana teachers who hold National Board Certification, with higher amounts for those working in high-poverty or impacted schools. Under the new provisions, eligible teachers in regular assignments receive up to $1,500 annually, while those in high-poverty or impacted schools can receive up to $2,500. The state will fund a portion of these stipends, with school districts required to contribute matching funds to reach the maximum amounts. Payments will be distributed by the superintendent of public instruction to eligible school districts, education cooperatives, the Montana school for the deaf and blind, and correctional facilities. The changes take effect on July 1, 2025, and apply to school years beginning on or after that date.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill increases funding for teacher stipends and supports education programs, aligning with advancing public services and funding essential programs.85% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill increases teacher stipends for National Board Certification, with higher amounts for high-poverty schools, directly supporting educators and improving educational quality.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Teachers

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introduced · Montana · Legislature Jan 15, 2025

LC 262: Create the student and teacher advancement for results and success act (STARS)

This bill revises Montana's school funding laws by creating new financial incentives and adjusting how districts receive state aid. It directly affects school districts, teachers, and administrative staff by establishing a new "Future Ready" funding component focused on postgraduate preparation and expanding eligibility for certain educator funding programs. Key provisions include increasing budget authority for districts facing high housing costs, renaming the Quality Educator Funding component, and adding requirements for district clerks to perform specific financial and administrative duties. The legislation also sets a minimum student enrollment threshold for elementary districts seeking to expand into K-12 districts and requires the Legislative Fiscal Analyst to create a school funding data dashboard.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill increases school funding through new financial incentives and budget authority adjustments for districts, directly strengthening state education budget allocations.95% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill increases school funding, creates new financial incentives for districts, expands educator funding programs, and focuses on postgraduate preparation for students.90% confidence

Sub-Topics School Funding Teachers

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