SB 228 revises laws related to public electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, affecting EV owners and charging station operators. The bill imposes a 3-cent per kilowatt-hour tax on electricity delivered to public charging stations, with specific effective dates for new and existing stations. It mandates that all public charging stations install a separate electric meter, with the owner responsible for installation costs. Additionally, the bill eliminates a future 30% reduction in state registration fees for electric vehicles. Public charging station operators are also required to register with the state and disclose their charging rates.
HB 177 aimed to update state laws regarding tobacco products. The bill proposed expanding the definition of "tobacco" to include alternative nicotine and vapor products, which would subject them to existing tobacco product license fees. It also sought to repeal a state prohibition, thereby allowing local governments to enact their own ordinances banning the sale of all tobacco products, including alternative nicotine and vapor products. This would have affected businesses selling these products and granted new regulatory power to local jurisdictions.
HB 119 sought to establish the Montana Cattle Committee, a new entity composed of seven Montana cattle producers appointed by the governor. The committee would be responsible for planning and conducting research, promotion, and educational programs to benefit the state's cattle industry. To fund these activities, the bill proposed a cattle assessment to be collected from cattle sellers, which would first require approval through a referendum of those sellers. Funds from this assessment would be deposited into a dedicated cattle special revenue account for the committee's use.
HB 234 extends the period for using funds previously appropriated in 2023 for projects addressing lead in schools. The bill reappropriates specific funds, originally allocated under Section 5, Chapter 763, Laws of 2023, subsection (10). This ensures the appropriations remain available for their original purpose until they are fully spent or the related capital improvement projects are completed. This measure allows schools to continue utilizing these funds for lead remediation efforts without a set expiration date.
HB 210 revises Montana's unemployment insurance program to enhance fraud prevention and adjust employer tax rates. It requires weekly checks against prison records, new hire databases, and motor vehicle records to verify claimant eligibility (affecting both claimants and employers). The bill creates a lower tax schedule for some employers, clarifies penalties for fraudulent claims (requiring repayment plus 50% penalty), and directs 70% of penalty funds to fraud detection efforts. These changes apply directly to Montana employers paying unemployment taxes and individuals claiming benefits under the state's program. The bill became law after Governor's signature on April 7, 2025.
House Joint Resolution 1 (HJ 1) is a resolution from the Montana Legislature urging the United States Congress to fully fund public safety and law enforcement agencies and programs within Montana's Indian reservations. It also calls on the U.S. Department of Justice to collaborate with the Department of the Interior and consult with tribal governments to improve the administration and funding of tribal justice systems, including courts and victim services. The resolution further invites Montana's tribal governments and requests the Governor to send supporting communications to Congress, which the Montana Secretary of State will then compile and forward.
Tags
Tribal Nations
HB 831 increases Montana's elderly homeowner and renter income tax credit to help low-to-moderate-income seniors. It raises the maximum credit from $1,150 to $1,400 and increases the household income threshold for eligibility from $35,000 to $50,000 before the credit phases out. The bill also requires annual inflation adjustments to maintain the credit's value and applies retroactively to tax years beginning after December 31, 2024. This directly benefits Montanans aged 65+ who own or rent homes and meet the updated income limits.
This bill would have established an income tax credit for individuals and corporations in Montana who make cash contributions to qualified community improvement organizations. These organizations are defined as tax-exempt groups with no paid staff that raise or distribute funds to support public facilities owned by the state or local government. The credit amount would be equal to the contribution, capped at the lesser of 10% of taxable income or $3,000, and could be carried forward for three years. An aggregate statewide limit on the total amount of credits claimed annually would have been set, starting at $2 million in 2026 and potentially increasing in subsequent years, requiring preapproval from the Department.
HB 919 is an act designed to implement provisions of House Bill No. 2. It amends state law regarding the Board of Investments, which is responsible for managing public funds. The bill requires the Board of Investments to perform its duties within a restricted fiduciary fund type, subject to specific state law restrictions. This change aims to ensure that the board manages investments under stricter guidelines for the responsible handling of funds.
SB 405 proposed transferring $50 million from Montana's general fund to the Housing Montana Fund within 15 days of enactment, directly supporting state housing programs and affordable housing initiatives. It required the Department of Commerce to update administrative rules related to housing by the start of the 70th legislative session. The bill would have taken effect July 1, 2025, but died in committee on May 23, 2025, after being tabled in April 2025. This was a substantive funding bill, not a procedural measure, with no further legislative action taken.
