HB 310 proposed establishing a state matching grant program to increase community shelter capacity for the homeless population. Administered by the Department of Public Health and Human Services, these grants would help local governments and eligible nonprofit organizations. The funds would specifically target services for senior citizens, veterans, survivors of domestic violence, youth transitioning from foster care, and individuals with mental health or substance use disorders. Applicants would be required to provide matching funds and collaborate with existing homelessness service providers. The bill appropriated $2 million from the general fund for the program, which was set to operate from July 2025 to June 2027.
HB 776 aimed to generally revise laws governing residential landlord and tenant relationships. The bill would have required property management companies to provide 90 days' notice to tenants for any changes to or termination of a rental agreement, specifically for tenancies exceeding one year. It also proposed updates to various definitions relevant to landlord-tenant interactions, including "property management company" and "case of emergency." Additionally, it would have adjusted the notice requirements for extending written rental agreements.
HB 304 revises residential tenant security deposit laws, directly affecting both landlords and tenants. The bill requires landlords to provide tenants with an itemized written notice of any unaccomplished cleaning and estimated costs before deducting cleaning charges from a security deposit. Tenants are then given 48 hours, extended from 24, to complete the necessary cleaning. Additionally, the bill prohibits landlords from charging a fee for inspecting the cleaning tenants have completed within this timeframe.
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 878 proposes to increase the funding available for housing loans for low-income and moderate-income individuals in Montana. It authorizes the Board of Housing to administer an additional $50 million, raising its total from $65 million to $115 million, from the permanent coal tax trust fund. These funds are specifically designated for providing loans to develop and preserve homes and apartments for eligible persons. The bill also outlines project requirements, such as loans being for multifamily rental housing projects and adhering to specific interest rate guidelines.
HB 489, titled the "Local Option Property Tax Relief Act," would have allowed consolidated city-counties or counties to implement a local sales tax. This tax, requiring voter approval and capped at 4%, would apply to specific goods and services, excluding items like medical supplies and SNAP-eligible food products. The revenue generated from this local option tax would be specifically used to provide property tax relief for primary residences and long-term rental properties. A portion of the revenue would also be distributed to local governments that do not levy the tax.
HB 802 aimed to revise Montana's zoning laws concerning the rental of primary residences. The bill stipulated that county and municipal zoning regulations could not prohibit the short-term rental of a property owner's primary residence, an accessory dwelling unit on the same parcel, or a residence on a neighboring lot. A "primary residence" was defined as a dwelling occupied by the owner for at least 183 days annually. This measure would have established these specific short-term rentals as permissible uses, limiting local government authority to ban them.
HB 378 proposes to remove state-level prohibitions that currently restrict local governments from requiring certain contributions for housing development. The bill would repeal existing laws preventing cities, towns, and counties from mandating fees or land dedications from developers for the purpose of providing housing for specified income levels or sale prices. If enacted, this would allow local governments to include such requirements in their zoning regulations and conditions for approving new additions or developments. This change would directly affect local government planning capabilities and property owners or developers undertaking new projects.
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.
