This bill proposed redirecting funds from an existing coal trust to support school and local government infrastructure projects, such as roads, bridges, and school facilities. It would have required the state to deposit specific coal trust funds into a designated account for these purposes. However, the bill was placed on hold in November 2024 and later died in committee without advancing further. No actual policy changes were implemented, as the bill never became law.
HB 951 proposed a one-time transfer of $30 million from the state's general fund to the local road and bridge account. This action would have directed the state treasurer to complete the transfer by July 15, 2025. The funds were intended to support local road and bridge projects throughout the state, benefiting communities and their infrastructure.
HB 914 proposes to revise the allocation of state lodging facility use taxes. It establishes two new state special revenue accounts: one for county roads and infrastructure and another for municipal roads and infrastructure. A portion of the lodging tax proceeds would be transferred to these accounts and statutorily appropriated for annual distribution to local governments. Funds would be distributed to counties based on the amount of tax collected, with minimum and maximum caps, and to cities and towns primarily based on population, also with a maximum cap. These funds are designated for the construction, maintenance, and repair of local roads and other infrastructure, as well as marketing projects.
SB 327 does not change motor vehicle registration fees themselves but revises the formula for distributing revenue from vehicle-related fees to local governments. It amends Montana law (sections 15-1-121, 15-1-122, 61-3-321, and 61-3-562) to adjust how entitlement share payments are calculated for counties, cities, and towns. The bill updates the growth rate calculation for these payments, basing it on specific state revenue sources like vehicle fees (from section 61-3-321) and income taxes, rather than using the previous method. This directly affects all local governments receiving these annual revenue distributions. The bill was referred to the Taxation committee and died in committee in May 2025.
This bill directs the state treasurer to transfer $30 million from the general fund to Montana's local road and bridge account by July 15, 2025. The funds are intended to support local road and bridge maintenance and improvement projects managed by counties and municipalities. The transfer is a one-time action, not an ongoing funding source, and applies specifically to the account designated under state law (15-70-132). The bill takes effect on July 1, 2025, with the transfer deadline set for July 15.
This bill establishes clear rules for utilities (like power, gas, and cable companies) to place infrastructure - such as pipes, cables, or conduits - across railroad rights-of-way in Montana. It requires utilities to submit a 30-day notice with a detailed application and pay a one-time crossing fee (capped at $3,000 or $10 per linear foot of railroad property used) plus an annual fee (capped at 10% of the original fee or $300). Railroads cannot impose arbitrary fee increases, and the bill prohibits mechanic’s liens on utility infrastructure. These provisions directly affect utilities seeking to cross railroad land and railroads managing those crossings.
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.
This bill (LC 1555) proposed creating a dedicated state fund to support local infrastructure projects like roads, bridges, and water systems. It would have directly affected municipalities and local governments by providing new funding sources for these projects. However, the bill was drafted but never advanced beyond the initial stage, with its draft officially "died in process" on May 26, 2025. No active provisions or mechanisms were established, as the bill never became law.
Bill LC 1557 proposed establishing a dedicated fund to support local infrastructure projects, such as roads and public utilities, primarily affecting municipalities and local governments. The bill outlined mechanisms for allocating state funds to communities for infrastructure upgrades but did not specify exact funding amounts or eligibility criteria. However, the bill never advanced beyond the drafting stage, as it was placed on hold twice in November 2024 and ultimately died in process in May 2025. No concrete policy changes were enacted, as the proposal was not introduced for committee review or voting.
This bill (LC 3147) aimed to provide state funding for passenger rail services but never advanced beyond the drafting stage. It was assigned to a drafter in December 2024 and died in committee in May 2025 without any further action or specific funding details being established. No concrete provisions, recipient agencies, or affected parties were defined in the available context. Since the bill did not progress to a vote or detailed proposal, no specific policy changes or mechanisms can be described. The legislative process for this bill was concluded without any enacted funding.
