This bill allocates $65 million from Montana's general fund to the Highway Patrol Officers' Retirement System pension fund for fiscal year 2025. The one-time supplemental contribution is intended to address the system's unfunded liability of approximately $65.4 million as of the end of fiscal year 2024. The funding directly benefits active and retired members of the Montana Highway Patrol by strengthening their retirement benefits. The appropriation takes effect on July 1, 2025.
This bill requires counties in Montana to receive a reduced portion of their state entitlement funding if they fail to comply with mandatory child abuse and neglect reporting laws. The Attorney General would report any county noncompliance to the Department of Revenue, which would then withhold the county's share of the state general fund entitlement payment. This penalty mechanism directly affects county governments and aims to ensure they maintain proper child protection reporting systems. The bill amends existing state statutes to establish this financial consequence for noncompliance with child abuse reporting requirements.
This bill directs Montana state officials to transfer excess funds from the general fund into the Montana Coal Severance Tax Permanent Fund beginning in 2025. The law establishes specific thresholds for when these transfers occur, requiring that once certain reserve levels are met, additional surplus money must be distributed to various accounts including the coal trust fund. The mechanism calculates excess revenue by comparing current fiscal year income against a historical growth rate, then applies a distribution formula that sends 10% of any remaining surplus to the coal trust after other funds reach their designated limits. This change affects the state treasurer and department of administration, who will be responsible for calculating and executing the transfers according to the new statutory requirements. The bill takes effect on July 1, 2025, and modifies existing Montana Code Annotated provisions regarding budget stabilization and fund transfers.
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.
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.
This bill creates a new Montana Water Development State Special Revenue Account to fund water storage projects and dam safety initiatives. It establishes a mechanism where 90% of investment earnings from the new account go to an existing water storage fund, while 10% goes to a natural resources projects fund for pilot projects and dam inspections. The legislation also directs the state treasurer to transfer $50 million from the general fund to the new account in 2025 and another $50 million in 2026. These changes affect state budget allocations and provide dedicated funding sources for water infrastructure development and maintenance.
This bill directs the state treasurer to transfer $50 million from Montana's general fund to the Housing Montana Fund, which is designed to support affordable housing initiatives. The legislation requires the Department of Commerce to review and update existing administrative rules related to housing programs before the next legislative session begins. These changes take effect on July 1, 2025, and directly impact the state's housing funding structure and regulatory framework.
This bill requires Montana to transfer 10% of excess state general fund revenue to the Montana Coal Severance Tax Permanent Fund after other specified budget transfers are completed. It modifies existing budget rules by directing this specific portion of unspent funds - calculated as 10% of amounts exceeding established reserve levels - to the coal tax fund, rather than other designated accounts. The transfer applies to funds remaining after the state meets its operating reserve level and other required transfers to the budget stabilization fund and capital projects account. This policy change affects how Montana manages its state budget surplus, specifically directing a portion of excess revenue toward the coal severance fund established under state law.
HB 835 proposes to extend the at-home infant care program, which provides financial assistance to low-income families where a parent cares for their infant full-time. The bill would increase the eligible age of infants from under 2 years to under 3 years, and extend the maximum duration a family can receive assistance from 24 months to 36 months. It also includes an appropriation of $2 million annually from the general fund to the department of public health and human services to support the program. This legislation aims to provide extended financial support for eligible low-income families choosing at-home infant care.
This bill revises Montana's disability parking permit eligibility to include pregnant women as a qualifying condition. A pregnant woman may obtain a temporary disability parking permit for up to one year by providing certification from a licensed physician, certified midwife, or licensed advanced practice registered nurse. The state will collect a $10 fee for this permit, with funds deposited into the state general fund. This change directly affects pregnant women in Montana who require temporary parking accommodations due to pregnancy-related mobility needs.
