Budget & Taxes

died · Montana · Legislature May 23, 2025

LC 3806: Funding local government pedestrian infrastructure

Bill LC 3806, titled "Funding local government pedestrian infrastructure," proposed state funding for local governments to improve pedestrian safety features like sidewalks, crosswalks, and accessible pathways. It would have directly affected municipalities and counties by providing resources for infrastructure projects prioritizing pedestrian accessibility. However, the bill died in the legislative process on May 23, 2025, without advancing to a vote or establishing specific funding mechanisms. As a result, no policy changes were enacted through this bill.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill explicitly proposes state funding for pedestrian infrastructure, directly addressing appropriations and fiscal impact on local governments.95% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationProposes state funding for pedestrian infrastructure, directly enhancing transportation safety and accessibility through sidewalks/crosswalks.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Bicycle Infrastructure Pedestrian Safety Tags Local Government

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died · Montana · Legislature May 24, 2025

LC 1224: Provide for a homestead exemption for dwelling used as a primary residence

Bill LC 1224 proposed a homestead exemption for primary residences, meaning homeowners using their dwelling as a main home would have been protected from certain property tax liabilities or creditor claims against their primary residence. The exemption would have directly affected individual homeowners who live in their property as their primary address, potentially shielding a portion of their home's value from financial pressures. However, the bill was placed on hold in December 2024 and ultimately died in the legislative process on May 24, 2025, without becoming law. As a result, no changes to existing homestead exemption rules were implemented.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill provides property tax relief for primary residences through homestead exemption, directly aligning with tax relief indicators for middle/lower income homeowners.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingHomestead exemption reduces property tax burden for primary homeowners, supporting housing affordability and property rights as defined in the topic.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Property Tax Property Taxes

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died · Montana · Legislature May 24, 2025

LC 1169: Provide funding to address affordable housing

This bill (LC 1169) aimed to provide funding to address affordable housing needs, as indicated by its title. However, the available context does not specify the funding amount, source, target populations, or specific housing programs it would support. The bill was drafted but died in process on May 24, 2025, meaning it did not advance to a vote or committee consideration. No concrete policy changes or mechanisms were established, as the draft was never finalized.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill explicitly aims to provide funding for affordable housing, an essential public service, indicating support for increased appropriations within Budget & Taxes.90% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill explicitly aims to fund affordable housing programs per title and summary, aligning with support indicators despite dying in committee.90% confidence

Sub-Topics State Budget Affordable Housing Housing Finance

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died · Montana · Legislature May 24, 2025

LC 1215: Revise school funding laws to address GTB lag

This bill (LC 1215) aimed to adjust school funding laws to fix delays in payments from the General Tax Base (GTB) to public school districts. It would have required state agencies to distribute GTB funds to schools within a specific timeframe, directly affecting all public school districts receiving these funds. The key provision would have created a fixed schedule for GTB disbursement, replacing the current flexible process that caused payment delays. However, the bill died in committee during the 2025 legislative session and never became law.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill ensures timely GTB disbursement to schools, promoting fiscal responsibility in budget execution for public education funding.95% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationFixing GTB payment delays ensures timely school funding, directly supporting district operations and stability per bill's core purpose.90% confidence

Sub-Topics School Funding

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died · Montana · Legislature May 24, 2025

LC 1167: Create and define the rules of a childcare trust fund

This bill proposed creating a childcare trust fund and establishing its operational rules. It would have set up a dedicated funding mechanism for childcare services, directly affecting state childcare programs and providers. The key provision was defining how funds would be collected, managed, and distributed to support childcare access. However, the bill died in the drafting process on May 24, 2025, and never advanced to a vote or became law.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesCreates dedicated childcare trust fund with defined funding mechanism, directly establishing new appropriations for public service programs per State Finance subjects.85% confidence

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died · Montana · Legislature May 24, 2025

LC 1171: Optional alternative property tax payment schedule for primary residences

This bill proposed allowing homeowners to pay property taxes on their primary residences in installments rather than as a single annual payment. It would have directly affected residential property owners who currently pay taxes in one lump sum. The key provision would have created an optional payment plan, potentially easing cash flow for some homeowners. However, the bill never advanced beyond the drafting stage and was officially terminated ("Draft Died in Process") on May 24, 2025, meaning it did not become law.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesProposes property tax installment payments for primary residences, providing tax relief and easing cash flow for homeowners - aligns with middle-income tax relief indicators.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Property Tax

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died · Montana · Legislature May 24, 2025

LC 1178: Revise TEACH Act incentives to increase starting teacher salary

This bill aimed to revise existing incentives under the TEACH Act to raise starting salaries for new teachers in public schools. It proposed modifying current funding mechanisms to provide increased financial support for school districts hiring entry-level educators. The bill did not advance beyond the drafting stage and was formally marked "Draft Died in Process" on May 24, 2025. As a result, no policy changes were implemented.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesProposes revised funding mechanisms to increase starting teacher salaries, directly advancing education budget allocation through state appropriations.90% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill explicitly aims to increase starting teacher salaries via revised TEACH Act incentives, directly supporting educator compensation and recruitment efforts.95% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBill explicitly aimed to increase starting teacher salaries via revised TEACH Act incentives, directly advancing wage support for educators under Labor & Employment.90% confidence

Sub-Topics School Funding Student Health Teachers

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died · Montana · Legislature May 24, 2025

LC 1234: Provide for tax-exempt child care savings accounts

This bill (LC 1234) creates tax-exempt child care savings accounts for Montana residents with dependent children. It allows account holders to contribute up to $5,000 annually (adjusted for inflation after 2026) tax-free, with earnings also exempt from state taxes, provided funds are used only for eligible child care expenses. Withdrawals for non-eligible expenses incur penalties, and account owners may transfer funds to immediate family members without tax consequences. The bill directly affects working parents, self-employed individuals, and caregivers in Montana who pay for child care, offering a state-level tax benefit aligned with federal guidelines.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesCreates tax-exempt child care accounts, providing tax relief for families through annual tax-free contributions up to $5,000 for eligible expenses.90% confidence

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died · Montana · Legislature May 26, 2025

LC 1432: Constitutional amendment to repeal Article X, section 6 regarding aid prohibited to sectarian schools

This bill (LC 1432) proposed a constitutional amendment to remove a provision in Article X, section 6 that currently prohibits public funds from being used to support religious schools. If passed, it would allow state aid to sectarian (religious) schools by repealing this constitutional ban. The bill was drafted but died in committee on May 26, 2025, meaning it never became law or changed the state constitution. It directly affected how public education funding could be distributed, but no policy change occurred as the bill did not advance.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill would allow public funds for religious schools, expanding state education spending beyond current constitutional limits, directly impacting budget allocation.90% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill seeks to allow public funding for religious schools by repealing constitutional ban, expanding state aid access to sectarian institutions within education funding policy.90% confidence

Sub-Topics School Choice School Funding

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died · Montana · Legislature May 26, 2025

LC 1553: Establish a fund for parks and recreation

LC 1553 proposed creating a dedicated state fund to support local parks and recreation programs. It would have provided ongoing financial resources for park maintenance, facility upgrades, and community recreation initiatives, directly benefiting municipalities and local park departments. The bill did not specify exact funding mechanisms or allocation formulas. However, the bill died in committee process on May 26, 2025, and never became law, so no funding was established.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill proposes dedicated state fund for parks/recreation, directly allocating state resources under State Finance/appropriations subjects to fund public services.90% confidence

Sub-Topics State Budget

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