SB 424 would have expanded Montana's disabled veteran property tax assistance program to include veterans rated 60% to 90% disabled (previously only 100% or 80%+). It updated tax rate reductions based on income, adding new multipliers for 80-90% disabled veterans (e.g., 70% reduction for $0-$45,803 income) while maintaining existing rates for 100% disabled veterans. The bill directly affected disabled veterans with 60-90% service-connected disabilities (or surviving spouses) who own and occupy their primary residence as a qualifying property. The proposed changes were not enacted, as the bill was vetoed by the governor on June 9, 2025, and the veto override failed on July 14.
HB 761 revises laws regarding residential property covenants, aiming to protect property owners' rights. It prevents the enforcement of any new or amended restrictions on property use that are more restrictive than those that existed when the owner acquired the property, unless the owner provides express written consent. Owners claiming this protection must record their exception with the county clerk. The bill clarifies how these protections apply to successor owners and maintains the validity of existing covenants, except for newly imposed, more restrictive terms without consent.
HB 277 would have required a minimum 3-year lease term for mobile home lot rentals in Montana, affecting mobile home park landlords and tenants. This default 3-year term could be waived by a tenant through a documented, informed request for a shorter term. The bill also mandated that landlords provide at least 180 days' written notice before terminating a lease. It further outlined monetary damages for parties who terminate a rental agreement without cause before its expiration.
HB 21 proposes to establish a Montana workforce housing tax credit for taxpayers owning an interest in qualified low-income housing projects. Beginning in 2026, these taxpayers could claim the credit against their income or insurance premium taxes for a six-year period, with unused portions carried forward. The Board of Housing would allocate these credits, up to $1.5 million annually, using a qualified allocation plan. The bill defines "qualified project" as a low-income building under federal law and adds this new credit to the list of tax credits subject to legislative review.
HB 422 proposed to amend Montana's covenant laws to allow specific types of agreements aimed at encouraging workforce housing affordability. The bill would have permitted covenants that restrict the sale, lease, or an owner's share of equity appreciation on residential properties. These restrictions would apply to individuals with specific incomes or occupations. The intent was to ensure the long-term affordability and attainability of housing for the workforce by allowing these covenants to remain with the property through future ownership.
HB 305 sought to establish the Montana Mobile Home Park Dispute Resolution Program, administered by the Department of Commerce, to help mobile home landlords and tenants resolve disputes. The program would provide educational materials on rights and responsibilities and allow either party to file complaints regarding alleged violations. The Department would investigate complaints, facilitate negotiations, and make determinations, with the power to impose remedies like fines or orders for rent refunds. The bill also required mobile home parks to register, pay fees to fund the program, and provide notice before a park's sale.
HB 931 clarifies that developing single-family or multifamily residential housing can be considered a commercial purpose for leasing state trust land. The bill specifically allows nonprofit corporations to lease state trust land to develop "attainable workforce housing." It revises the definition of "commercial purpose" within state law to include such residential developments under a master lease. This change aims to enable the creation of housing for workers on state-owned land.
HB 920 establishes a temporary property tax exemption for new senior care facilities and housing development projects. Tax-exempt non-profit organizations sponsoring these projects must first petition a local government, which determines if there is a "compelling need" for the project through a public hearing. If approved by the local government, the sponsor can then apply to the department of revenue for the exemption. This bill aims to encourage the development of various affordable housing and care options for seniors aged 55 or 62 and older.
HB 492 revises municipal zoning laws by setting new limits on the minimum parking space requirements local governments can impose on new developments. The bill generally caps required parking for residential units at one space per unit and for commercial spaces at one space per 5,000 square feet, with specific exemptions for certain types of projects like affordable housing or smaller commercial spaces. If a city or town chooses to require more parking than these new limits, it must compensate the developer or property owner for the real cost of constructing the additional spaces. This legislation directly affects municipal zoning authorities and developers within those areas.
HB 505 modifies the Montana Housing Infrastructure Revolving Loan Fund Account. The bill allows this fund to retain all interest and income it earns, rather than those funds being transferred elsewhere. It also directs the state treasurer to transfer $50 million from the general fund into this account by June 2025 and another $50 million by June 2026. These provisions aim to increase the resources available within the revolving loan fund, which supports housing infrastructure projects. The principal of the fund can only be appropriated by a two-thirds vote of each legislative house.
