Rep. Larry Brewster

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes official revenue estimates for Montana's state budget, setting specific figures for general fund revenue across fiscal years 2025-2027 ($3.27 billion, $3.53 billion, and $3.57 billion, respectively). It directly affects state budget planning by requiring the Governor's Office of Budget and Program Planning to use these estimates for fiscal year 2025-2027, as mandated by Montana law. The resolution also accepts a $1.03 billion preliminary unassigned general fund balance from fiscal year 2024. These estimates, developed with input from the Revenue Interim Committee and fiscal analysts, provide the baseline for all state budget decisions during this period.

Maddy summaryHB 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.

Maddy summaryHB 21 proposes to establish a Montana workforce housing tax credit for taxpayers owning an interest in qualified low-income housing projects. Beginning in 2026, these taxpayers could claim the credit against their income or insurance premium taxes for a six-year period, with unused portions carried forward. The Board of Housing would allocate these credits, up to $1.5 million annually, using a qualified allocation plan. The bill defines "qualified project" as a low-income building under federal law and adds this new credit to the list of tax credits subject to legislative review.

Maddy summaryHB 379 proposed changes to how state lands are leased for commercial purposes and sold. For commercial leases, the bill would have eliminated public auction requirements, allowing the state department to negotiate individual agreements with lessees. It also redefined "commercial purpose" and clarified rules for improvements on leased land. Regarding the sale of state land, the bill shifted the process from public auctions to public sales, where offers would be accepted over a designated period instead of at a single event, and updated notice procedures for these sales. These revisions would have affected individuals and businesses seeking to lease or purchase state trust lands.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 34 creates a permanent Disaster Resiliency Fund within the state special revenue fund, managed by the Department of Military Affairs. This fund is intended to support state and local mitigation projects, provide matching funds for hazardous material equipment and training, and develop emergency management resources. Annually, $4 million from the general fund is transferred into this account, which has a maximum balance of $12 million. Any funds exceeding this cap are returned to the general fund. The money in the account is statutorily appropriated, allowing for ongoing use without further biennial legislative approval, directly affecting state and local disaster preparedness efforts.

Maddy summaryHB 363 aimed to revise the selection process for the Montana Public Service Commission (PSC). It proposed changing the PSC's composition from five entirely elected members to two elected members and three members appointed by the governor and confirmed by the senate. The bill outlined specific districts for the elected commissioners and established 6-year terms with term limits for all commissioners. Additionally, it introduced new qualifications for appointed commissioners, requiring industry expertise and prohibiting recent professional or financial ties to entities regulated by the commission.

Maddy summaryHB 858 aimed to revise the coal severance tax coal washing credit in Montana. The bill proposed to extend the termination date for specific definitions related to "coal washing" and "contract sales price," which are used to calculate this tax credit. If passed, these definitions, relevant to coal mining operations, would have remained in effect until July 1, 2027, rather than expiring earlier. The bill also included a provision for notifying tribal governments about the act.

Maddy summaryHB 714 revises laws for land divisions that are typically exempt from full subdivision review, affecting landowners, local governing bodies, and adjoining property owners. The bill makes it mandatory for local governing bodies to review certain land divisions and aggregations. It requires applicants to notify adjoining property owners, and a public hearing must be held if requested by neighbors. Additionally, governing bodies will use a standardized affidavit form from the Attorney General to determine if an applicant intends to evade subdivision requirements, and the bill increases a related fine.

Maddy summaryHB 713 revises municipal zoning laws, outlining procedures for cities and towns to establish, amend, or repeal zoning regulations, restrictions, and boundaries. It requires public hearings with notice for most zoning changes, but allows for immediate adoption of zone map boundary changes by resolution. The bill also permits municipalities to conduct joint hearings for annexation and zoning under specific conditions, streamlining the process for newly annexed properties. Additionally, it repeals a previous method that allowed for citizen protest of zoning alterations.

Maddy summaryHB 394 revises public notice and resolution requirements for local governments, including municipalities and counties. The bill updates how municipalities publish notices, detailing newspaper qualifications and posting requirements for smaller towns, and specifies new timings for public notice publication before hearings or actions. Additionally, it adjusts deadlines for local governments to adopt annual budgets and for councils to pass resolutions concerning special improvement district maintenance assessments. These changes aim to clarify and standardize various notification and procedural timelines for local government operations.