This bill creates a new Montana tax credit for renters under 62 with household income below $45,000 who pay rent-equivalent property taxes, allowing them to claim up to $1,200 or $1,750 depending on their rent-to-income ratio. It also permits qualifying teachers to exclude certain earned income when calculating their eligibility for this credit. The legislation increases the residential property tax credit for elderly taxpayers and adjusts the income thresholds where these credits begin to phase out. Additionally, the bill schedules periodic reviews of various state tax credits starting in 2025 to assess their effectiveness and impact on taxpayers.
This bill requires state and local building departments to provide written or electronic copies of specific building code sections when they delay permit approvals or stop construction projects. If a department fails to provide these requested code citations within seven calendar days, those code sections are automatically waived for that permit or project. The legislation also allows individuals to sue for damages and recover legal fees if a building department does not comply with this requirement.
This bill creates a Montana income tax credit for landlords who rent residential properties at rates below the local fair market value. Landlords can claim $2 for every $100 their rent is under 110% of the county's fair market rent, with a maximum credit limited to their annual tax liability. To qualify, properties must have lease terms of at least one year, meet federal housing quality standards, and not already participate in other rent-limiting programs. The credit can be carried forward for up to three years if not fully used, and the bill requires landlords to submit proof of rent amounts and lease agreements when claiming the benefit.
This bill requires Montana counties to allow at least one accessory dwelling unit by right on single-family lots, meaning homeowners can add a secondary living space without needing special permits or hearings. The law sets specific rules for these units, such as limiting their size to no more than 75% of the main home or 1,000 square feet, whichever is smaller, and prohibits counties from requiring matching exterior designs, owner occupancy, or additional parking. Counties may charge a one-time application fee of up to $250 per unit but cannot impose impact fees, restrictive covenants, or more stringent building standards than those already applied to the primary residence. The bill also clarifies that existing building, fire, and health codes still apply, while allowing counties to adopt even more permissive regulations if they choose.
This bill increases the maximum income tax credit available to elderly homeowners and renters in Montana by adjusting the credit calculation thresholds and amounts. It directly affects seniors who own or rent their primary residences by providing a tax credit that offsets a portion of their property taxes or rent-equivalent costs. The key mechanism involves raising the income threshold at which the credit begins to phase out and increasing the maximum credit amount, while also updating the definition of household income to $14,100 for calculation purposes. The bill includes an inflationary adjustment provision to ensure the credit maximum and phase-out income levels keep pace with economic changes.
This bill changes the composition of Montana's Board of Housing by requiring that at least one member be an enrolled member of a federally recognized tribe and at least one member be a veteran of the U.S. armed forces. The legislation amends state law to mandate these specific qualifications when the governor appoints the seven-member board, which currently requires members to have expertise in housing, economics, or finance. The bill does not alter the board's existing powers or administrative structure but adds diversity requirements to its membership. This change ensures that tribal and veteran perspectives are formally represented on the board that oversees housing programs in the state.
This bill creates a new dispute resolution program in Montana to help landlords and tenants in mobile home parks resolve conflicts over alleged rule violations. Administered by the Department of Commerce, the program will investigate complaints, facilitate negotiations, and issue written determinations when parties cannot reach an agreement. The bill also requires the department to distribute educational materials about tenant and landlord rights, register mobile home parks, collect fees, and impose fines for noncompliance. Landlords must post notices about rights and responsibilities in common areas, and the program will be funded through collected fines and fees.
This bill, known as the Keep Montanans Housed Act, gives tenants the first opportunity to buy their rental homes before landlords sell them to third parties. It requires landlords to offer tenants a bona fide purchase price based on comparable market value or appraised value before selling or demolishing a property. Tenants have 45 days to accept the offer or challenge it with an independent appraisal at their own expense, while landlords cannot retain partial ownership in the sale. The law applies to rental dwelling units and takes effect on July 1, 2025.
This bill revises Montana's municipal zoning laws to limit mandatory parking requirements for new developments. It directly affects cities and towns that currently enforce minimum parking rules, as well as developers building new residential and commercial properties. The key provisions cap parking requirements at one space per residential unit and one space per 5,000 square feet of commercial space, with additional exemptions for small businesses, affordable housing, and certain facility types. Municipalities that choose to require more parking than these limits must compensate developers for the real cost of constructing the extra spaces. The bill also mandates duplex housing in cities with over 5,000 residents and allows shared parking agreements as an alternative to on-site parking.
This bill amends Montana's Commercial Property-Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) program to expand financing opportunities for multifamily housing facilities with at least five residential units. It updates legal definitions to explicitly include multifamily properties and clarifies what qualifies as an energy conservation measure, such as insulation, window upgrades, HVAC modifications, and electric vehicle charging stations. The changes allow local governments to establish districts within their jurisdictions to administer these financing programs, enabling property owners to pay for energy efficiency improvements through property assessments rather than traditional loans. The bill takes effect immediately upon passage and approval by the legislature.
