Sen. Forrest Mandeville

Maddy summarySB 532 revises county zoning laws to require counties with zoning regulations to allow accessory dwelling units (ADUs) on lots with existing single-family homes. It mandates that counties permit at least one ADU "by right," meaning without requiring special permits or public hearings, and sets size limits for detached or attached units. The bill prohibits counties from imposing certain restrictions on ADUs, such as requiring additional parking, owner occupancy, or specific exterior designs. Counties may charge a one-time application fee for reviewing ADU applications and must comply with expedited sanitation review provisions.

Maddy summarySB 121 revises Montana's land use planning act, affecting local governments, developers, and the public involved in development projects. The bill clarifies that local governments may make decisions on development applications and provides additional opportunities for public comment on proposed developments by clarifying public notice requirements. It allows cities to retain extraterritorial zoning authority beyond their limits. Additionally, the bill amends land divisions excluded from subdivision review and allows for a public hearing before a planning commission hears an appeal.

Maddy summarySB 239 would have required district courts to invite local governing bodies to submit "friend of the court" briefs in civil cases that challenge subdivision applications or other land use decisions, specifically when the court is interpreting relevant statutes. This provision aimed to allow local governments, or groups representing them, to offer their perspective on how the law should be interpreted. Additionally, the bill would have permitted these governing bodies, after submitting a brief, to formally join the case (intervene) if an order interpreting the statute was issued, and to request a pause (stay) of that order during an appeal. The bill primarily affects courts, local governing bodies, and parties involved in legal disputes over land use and subdivision regulations.

Maddy summarySB 262 exempts certain water and sewer system plans, along with specific subdivision applications, from environmental review requirements. The bill removes the obligation for the state department to conduct environmental reviews for water or sewer system plans. Additionally, it removes the requirement for local governments and independent reviewers to comply with the Montana Environmental Policy Act when reviewing small public water and sewer systems or subdivisions connecting to existing municipal systems. This change aims to streamline the approval process for these types of projects.

Maddy summarySenate Joint Resolution 42 requests an interim study on noxious weed control in Montana. This study will examine existing state laws, department rules, and the responsibilities of District Weed Boards and Coordinators in enforcing compliance. Its goal is to research current control strategies, review how other states manage noxious weeds, and propose legislation to update terminology, clarify statutes, and improve consistency for the 70th Legislature.

Maddy summarySB 10 revises the Natural Streambed and Land Preservation Act of 1975 by extending specific review timelines for emergency projects that impact streambeds. When the governor declares a state of emergency, the bill allows inspection teams 30 days, instead of the usual 20, to conduct an onsite inspection of an emergency project. Additionally, during such emergencies, team members are granted 40 days, rather than 30, to submit their recommendations for the project's approval, denial, or modification. This provides additional time for regulatory review processes specifically during periods of widespread emergency.

Maddy summarySB 275 allows a local governing body to revoke an agricultural covenant on land that has been annexed into a municipality. This means that if agricultural land, previously exempt from subdivision review due to such a covenant, becomes part of a city or town, the covenant can be removed. Once revoked under these conditions, any subsequent division of that land can proceed without undergoing the standard subdivision review process.

Maddy summarySB 175 revises the procedures for a Board of County Commissioners to adopt or amend zoning regulations. The bill establishes a separate, streamlined process for amending existing zoning regulations, distinct from the procedure for creating new zoning districts or initial regulations. For amendments, a public hearing notice must be posted at least 15 days beforehand and published weekly for two weeks in a local newspaper. This notice must describe the proposed changes and where to inspect the relevant documents. The bill requires a public meeting and notice before a board can adopt a resolution to amend a zoning regulation.

Maddy summarySB 11 revises the laws governing local government ballot issues for cities, towns, counties, and consolidated city-counties. The bill establishes new requirements and procedures for local electors to propose, repeal, or amend ordinances through petitions. Key provisions include mandating that petitions address a single comprehensive subject and requiring signatures from at least 15% of the local government's qualified electors. It also outlines a process for submitting sample petitions for review by local government attorneys, who must then prepare a concise, impartial statement of purpose and implication, as well as "yes" and "no" statements for the ballot.

Maddy summarySR 91 is a procedural resolution by the Montana Senate. It serves to confirm the Governor's appointments of Rachel Arthur, Richard Miltenberger, Amber Parish, and Bruce Posey to the Board of Housing. The resolution signifies the Senate's agreement and consent to these appointments.