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 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.
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.
HB 695 establishes rules for competitive access to utility poles, primarily affecting pole owners like rural electric cooperatives and entities wishing to attach their equipment. The bill requires pole owners who have received broadband grant funding and offer broadband services to allow access to their poles according to federal regulations. It also mandates that grant agreements for broadband funding include compliance with these rules. If a pole owner does not comply, an aggrieved entity can take civil action in court for damages and other relief.
HB 257 updates Montana's critical infrastructure protection laws by explicitly adding broadband and wireless communications infrastructure (including internet cables, cell towers, and related equipment) to the list of protected facilities. The bill expands definitions in Section 82-1-601 to include these networks under "critical infrastructure facility," while Section 82-1-602 clarifies criminal penalties for trespassing or damaging such facilities. Trespassing with intent to harm these newly protected facilities now carries felony charges (up to 18 months in prison or $4,500 fines), and damage exceeding $1,500 becomes a felony (up to 30 years in prison or $150,000 fines). This law directly affects anyone entering or damaging internet, phone, or cable infrastructure sites, with stricter penalties for intentional harm.
SB 540 revises Montana's property tax rules for "class 17 property," specifically targeting dedicated telecommunications infrastructure like fiber optic and coaxial cable. It provides a 5-year tax exemption for new fiber/coaxial cable installations placed in service after July 1, 2021, with the exemption phasing out over 10 years (20% annually). To maintain the exemption, owners must reinvest the tax savings into new Montana cable installations within 2 years without passing costs to consumers. Federal-funded projects (e.g., under the American Rescue Plan) are excluded from the exemption, and owners must keep records for state review. The bill directly affects telecom infrastructure owners and operators in Montana.
