HB 924 creates the Montana Growth and Opportunity Trust, funded by half of the state's unpredictable revenue (like capital gains or oil royalties) starting in 2027. Interest income from the trust is split: half distributes $15 million annually to five specific programs (disaster resiliency, property tax relief, water development, bridge repairs, and early childhood care), while the other half reinvests in pension funds and housing infrastructure. The bill establishes new accounts for these programs and sets rules for calculating volatile revenue using historical data to stabilize budgeting. It directly affects state budgeting, early childhood services, infrastructure projects, and pension systems through mandatory funding allocations.
SB 324 revises vehicle registration fees for high-end vehicles, adding a 1% fee based on the vehicle's manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) for the first year of registration after January 1, 2026, for cars over $150,000 and motorhomes over $300,000. It directly affects owners of these high-value vehicles, replacing a flat annual add-on fee with the percentage-based assessment. Revenue from these fees will fund two specific programs: grants for bridge projects through the Department of Transportation and services for crime victims via the Board of Crime Control. The bill also updates related sections of Montana law governing registration fees and special revenue accounts.
HB 848 aimed to provide dedicated funding for regional rail authorities in the state. The bill proposed creating a "Big Sky Rail Account" within the state special revenue fund, which would receive a portion of rental car sales and use tax proceeds. The Department of Transportation would then annually distribute these funds to eligible regional rail authorities. These authorities could use the money for administrative costs, matching federal grants, fostering partnerships, and planning, developing, and operating rail projects and services, such as enhancing safety, improving stations, and exploring new train routes.
HB 369 authorizes the creation of county road maintenance districts to maintain roads that were previously serviced by the county but owned by other entities. These districts can be formed when at least 66% of property owners in a proposed area petition the county commissioners. The districts are funded by assessing maintenance costs directly against the benefited properties within the district. The amount assessed by a district must then be subtracted from the county's general fund dedicated to road improvement or maintenance.
HB 405 proposed to increase the maximum reimbursement rates that school districts receive from state and county sources for student transportation. The bill specifically raised the per-mile rates for school buses of different passenger capacities, as well as for non-bus mileage. The intent was to lower school district property taxes designated for transportation expenses. These changes would have applied to school district transportation budgets starting July 1, 2025.
HB 933, the "Montana Railroad Crossing Clarity Act," would establish a framework for utilities to place infrastructure within railroad rights-of-way and adjacent railroad land. It outlines an application process requiring utilities to provide notice, project drawings, and a certificate of insurance to railroads. The bill sets limits on the one-time crossing fees and potential annual fees that utilities would pay for these crossings. Utilities could commence construction 30 days after a complete application, unless a railroad objects due to safety concerns, with provisions for dispute resolution.
HB 103 aimed to establish a Montana Rail Inspection Program to supervise and inspect railroads operating within the state. The bill proposed creating a dedicated Montana rail inspection account in the state special revenue fund. This account would be funded by diverting 8% of taxes collected from railroad car company property. The program was mandated to employ specific inspectors for motive power, equipment, track, and operating practices, along with administrative staff.
House Bill 677 aimed to revise laws related to driver's licenses by establishing a new consequence for driving without insurance. The bill proposed that the state's department of motor vehicles would be required to suspend the driver's license or driving privilege of any person determined to have driven a vehicle without the legally required insurance coverage. This measure would have added a specific enforcement mechanism for non-compliance with mandatory vehicle insurance laws.
HB 588 revises existing transportation laws by establishing a legal definition for "motorized scooter." The bill also provides specific regulations for the operation and use of these devices. It achieves this by amending various sections of the Montana Code Annotated to integrate motorized scooters into the state's vehicle and traffic laws.
HB 849 establishes a new special motorcycle license plate for Montana residents who own motorcycles or quadricycles. Owners choosing this plate will pay a total fee, which includes a $20 donation. This donation fee is statutorily appropriated to the Department of Justice. The Department will use these funds to provide grants to Montana-based nonprofit organizations that promote motorcycle rider safety and awareness through education and outreach.
