This bill updates Montana's resort tax laws to allow an additional 1% tax rate on goods and services in designated resort areas, with the revenue specifically designated for infrastructure projects or workforce housing. It directly affects resort communities and areas that rely on tourism, requiring voter approval before any resort tax can be imposed or changed. The legislation also clarifies definitions for key terms like "workforce housing," which must have at least 20% of units available to renters earning between 60% and 120% of the area median income, and expands the population threshold for certain resort areas from 2,500 to 3,500 people.
This bill removes state-level restrictions that currently prevent Montana cities and towns from requiring developers to pay fees or dedicate land for affordable housing. By repealing specific sections of the Montana Code Annotated, the legislation allows local governments to mandate that housing projects include units for specified income levels or sell at specified prices. The key change eliminates the prohibition on fees and land dedications that were previously in place under state zoning laws. Local municipalities would gain the authority to implement inclusionary zoning policies to address housing affordability within their jurisdictions.
This bill modifies Montana's resort tax laws to allow an additional 1% tax rate on lodging and dining in designated resort areas, with the revenue specifically designated for infrastructure projects or workforce housing. The legislation defines workforce housing as rental properties where at least 20% of units are rent-restricted to households earning between 60% and 120% of the area median income. It also updates definitions for resort areas and communities, adjusting population thresholds and clarifying what qualifies as taxable goods and services versus exempt necessities. Local governments in resort communities and areas must still obtain voter approval before implementing or changing resort taxes, maintaining the existing requirement for public consent.
This bill creates a new housing fairness income tax credit for Montana residents who pay property taxes on their homes or rent-equivalent amounts on their rentals. It directly affects homeowners and renters with household incomes under $150,000 who have lived in Montana for at least nine months and occupied their residence for at least six months of the tax year. The credit amount is calculated based on household income, with higher credits available for lower-income households, and it cannot be combined with the existing residential property tax credit for the elderly. The legislation also clarifies that taxpayers cannot claim this credit if they receive public rent subsidies or property tax subsidies, and it amends several existing Montana code sections to incorporate these new provisions.
This bill authorizes the Montana Board of Investments to allocate an additional $50 million from the permanent coal tax trust fund for low-income and moderate-income housing loans, increasing the total available funding to $115 million. The legislation allows the Montana Board of Housing to administer these funds for developing and preserving homes and apartments to help eligible residents meet basic housing needs. It also updates related state statutes to clarify how these funds are managed and repaid into the coal severance tax permanent fund. The bill directly affects housing developers, nonprofit organizations, and low-to-moderate income households seeking affordable housing assistance through state loan programs.
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 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 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 allows Montana to keep any interest or income earned on $12 million in workforce housing funds instead of returning it to the general fund. The money is designated for building or buying housing for state employees who work at facilities housing inmates or behavioral health patients in smaller counties. Key provisions include using funds to lower construction costs, provide matching loans, discount housing prices for eligible workers, or purchase housing that will be privately owned within ten years. The change applies retroactively to interest earned since June 14, 2023, and takes effect immediately upon passage.
This bill establishes a new workforce renter's tax credit for Montana residents under 62 with household incomes below $45,000 who pay rent-equivalent property taxes, allowing eligible renters 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 this credit and ensures any excess credit is refunded even if the taxpayer has no state income tax liability. Additionally, the bill increases the residential property tax credit for elderly residents and includes an inflationary adjustment to the income thresholds where these credits begin to phase out. The legislation also schedules periodic reviews of various tax credits, including the new workforce renter's credit, to evaluate their effectiveness and impact on taxpayers every eight years.
