This bill amends Montana's property tax classification system to update how data centers are categorized and taxed. It extends the construction timeline for data center property from 15 years to 25 years and revises ownership requirements for qualifying facilities. The legislation also clarifies definitions for electrical generation facilities and telecommunications infrastructure, ensuring these assets are properly classified under existing tax rules. Additionally, it maintains the current 5-year tax exemption for fiber optic and coaxial cable while requiring reinvestment of tax savings into new infrastructure to preserve the benefit.
This bill amends Montana's state bonding laws to allow municipalities and counties to issue bonds for broadband infrastructure projects. It directly affects local governments and internet service providers by expanding the legal definition of eligible "projects" to include facilities that provide broadband service with speeds of at least 100 megabits per second for downloads, 20 megabits per second for uploads, and latency under 100 milliseconds. The key provision adds a new category to the existing list of projects that qualify for state bonding authority, enabling these entities to finance broadband expansion through debt instruments. This change does not allocate specific funding but rather removes a legal barrier that previously prevented local governments from using bond financing for broadband development.
This bill requires pole owners in Montana who receive broadband grant funding or offer broadband service to allow other companies to attach their equipment to utility poles under federal rules. It mandates that any state broadband grant agreements include compliance with these access requirements and requires updating existing agreements to meet the new standards. The law also establishes a legal process where companies denied access can sue in a specific district court to recover damages and legal fees if a pole owner fails to comply. Key terms like "pole owner," "attacher," and "broadband grant funding" are clearly defined to clarify who must follow the rules and who can request access.
This bill updates Montana's critical infrastructure protection laws by explicitly including broadband, wired, and wireless communications infrastructure as protected facilities. It amends state statutes to define critical infrastructure more broadly, encompassing telecommunications systems alongside traditional utilities like power plants, water facilities, and natural gas pipelines. The legislation establishes criminal penalties for trespassing on or damaging these facilities, with fines up to $4,500 and imprisonment of up to 18 months for willful acts that could harm operations. These changes directly affect security personnel, law enforcement, and facility operators who manage the newly designated infrastructure assets.
This bill updates Montana's right-of-way laws to explicitly include broadband lines and natural gas pipelines alongside existing utilities like telephone, electric, and telegraph lines. It authorizes companies and public bodies to install and maintain these infrastructure systems along public roads, streets, and highways by constructing necessary fixtures such as posts and piers. The legislation requires that all installations must not inconvenience or endanger the public while using these roads, and it clarifies that this law does not limit the authority of city or town councils to regulate such installations.
SB 432 revises Montana's utility relocation laws by clarifying definitions related to infrastructure moving costs and expanding the scope of covered services. It specifically defines "cost of relocation" to exclude engineering expenses and broadens "utility" to include water/sewer systems, cable providers, and broadband services. This bill directly affects utilities needing to relocate infrastructure (like pipes or poles) for highway projects, ensuring clearer cost calculations and broader service coverage under state law.
This bill (LC 3164) proposed requiring all government agencies to accept paper filings for services, such as permits or applications, alongside digital options. It would have directly affected citizens and businesses needing to submit documents to state agencies. The bill aimed to ensure accessibility for people without reliable internet access or digital tools. However, the bill was placed on hold and ultimately died in the legislative process without becoming law.
This bill revises Montana's property tax rules for dedicated communications infrastructure, specifically fiber optic and coaxial cable networks. It provides a 5-year tax exemption for such infrastructure installed after July 1, 2021, with the exemption phasing out over 10 years (20% per year). Telecom companies installing qualifying infrastructure must reinvest tax savings into new Montana fiber/cable installations within 2 years to maintain the exemption. Federally funded projects under the American Rescue Plan Act are excluded from this tax benefit.
Montana bill LC 4173 revises property tax rules to exempt certain telecommunications infrastructure from taxation. It directly affects rural telecommunications providers serving rural areas or communities with 1,200 residents or fewer, including those operating in no more than three counties. The bill creates a 5-year tax exemption for newly installed fiber optic or coaxial cable placed in service after July 1, 2021, requiring owners to reinvest tax savings into new Montana infrastructure within two years. After 5 years, the exemption phases out gradually over 10 years, ending at full taxable value.
This bill (LC 3365) aimed to revise local permitting processes for broadband infrastructure deployment. It would have affected local governments and broadband providers by changing how permits for broadband equipment are reviewed and approved. However, the bill never became law, as it was marked "Draft Died in Process" on May 27, 2025, after being assigned to a drafter in December 2024. No concrete policy changes were enacted.
