Rep. Larry Brewster

Maddy summaryThis bill clarifies existing laws regarding the transfer of land, specifically for parcels received through family gifts or sales. It ensures that the usual restriction, which can prevent the resale of these "family transfer parcels" for up to two years, does not apply to transactions involving lenders. This allows individuals who receive such land to use it as collateral for a mortgage or other loan. The bill also specifies that if a lender acquires the property through foreclosure, they are exempt from the transfer restriction and can freely sell the land.

Maddy summaryHB 122 revises existing right-of-way laws for utility lines on public roads, streets, and highways. It specifically expands the authorized utilities to include broadband lines and natural gas pipelines. This allows corporations and public bodies operating these services to install necessary infrastructure, such as lines, pipelines, posts, and piers, along public thoroughfares. The bill maintains the requirement that these installations must not inconvenience or endanger the public.

Maddy summaryHB 318 establishes an appeal process for certain requirements related to sewage disposal systems. The bill allows individuals or entities to appeal to their local governing body if a local board of health adds new requirements to a sewage disposal system after a construction permit has already been issued. This appeal process applies specifically to new requirements costing more than $500 to implement. It allows for a challenge to whether these subsequently added requirements are more stringent than state or local standards.

Maddy summaryHB 16 revises Montana's infrastructure loan program and tax credit rules. It removes eligibility for businesses to qualify for loans based on increasing wages or incomes of existing employees or employers. The bill also prohibits claiming infrastructure use fees as both a tax credit and a tax deduction, preventing double benefits. These changes apply to infrastructure loans made on or after the effective date and tax credits claimed after December 31, 2025, affecting businesses receiving loans and local governments building infrastructure.

Maddy summaryHB 20 requires local governments in Montana (such as counties, cities, and school districts) to state voted property tax levies in dollar amounts instead of mill rates (where 1 mill = $1 per $1,000 of property value). This change directly affects entities that seek voter approval for new or increased levies, making the financial impact clearer for residents. The bill amends Montana Code to allow these levies to be calculated using existing formulas but reported in dollars, while preserving current calculation methods for tax base adjustments. It repeals a prior requirement that levies be expressed in mills, aiming to improve voter understanding of tax costs.

Maddy summaryHB 19 requires local governments (like cities or counties) to hold a public hearing before using tax revenue from a tax increment financing district to pay for bonds that would extend the district's life beyond 15 years. This applies when a local government wants to pledge future tax revenue to fund bonds for urban renewal or economic development projects. The bill mandates that the local government must notify the county and school district where the project is located and hold the hearing to determine if extending the district is necessary to fulfill its development plan. The law takes effect for bond pledges made after its enactment date.