HB 140 – Passed Senate Third 4/22 (45-5) – Representative Schomer

Provides property tax relief for first responders injured in the line of duty and to the spouse of a first responder killed in the line of duty.

HB 337 – Passed Senate Third 4/22 (34-16) – Speaker Ler – Signing Ceremony 4/28

Makes a number of income tax improvements including increasing the earned income tax credit, increasing the amount of earned income before an increase in tax rate, and changes the net long-term capital gains tax.

HB 483 – Passed Senate Third 4/22 (46-4) – Representative Sprunger

Reduces general property tax rates, while leaving the 95 mills for schools unchanged. The bill also requires the mills to be bought down.

SB 542 – Passed House Third 4/24 (72-27) – Senator Galt

Lowers property tax rates across the board and provides Montanans a $400 rebate. Agriculture rates will be lower in year two, and commercial rates will not exceed where they were in 2023.

HB 231 – Passed Senate Third 4/25 (25-24) – Representative Jones

Establishes new reduced tax rates for principal residences and long-term rental properties, introducing a tiered tax structure based on property value. Homeowners and long-term rental property owners can apply for lower tax rates depending on how their property value compares to the median residential value.
The bill also introduces a $400 property tax rebate for tax year 2024 and creates a new Property Tax Assistance Account to fund these rebates. Residential tax rates range from 0.76% to 1.9%, while commercial properties receive adjusted tax brackets with rates at 1.5% and 1.9%.

SB 117 – Passed House Third 4/15 (45-61) – Senator Zolnikov

Allows cities, counties, and consolidated city-counties to establish a “large taxpayer reserve account” funded with 10% of revenue from newly taxable property (excluding class four). These funds may be used only if a large taxpayer permanently ceases operations or loses at least 25% of taxable value.
The funds can support outstanding bonds, mill levy reductions, industry attraction, employment incentives, or infrastructure investments.
The bill also updates levy calculation rules, raising the inflation limitation up to 4%.

General Bills

HB 252 – Passed Senate Third 4/25 (43-7) – Representative Jones

Creates the STARS Act, offering additional funding to schools that raise beginning teacher pay, compress pay scales, improve graduation rates, and expand dual credit programs. The act provides strong support for rural schools while promoting quality education statewide.

HB 719 – Passed Senate Third 4/25 (32-18) – Representative Mitchell

Requires voter registration applicants to include their birthdate and requires ballot certifiers to cross-check birthdates under certain circumstances.

SB 45 – Passed Senate Third 4/25 (31-18) – Senator McGillvray

Creates the Montana Judicial Performance Evaluation Commission—an independent body that reviews Supreme Court and District Court justices to provide voters with fair, accurate information regarding judicial performance and potential political or social bias.

SB 437 – Passed House Third 4/25 (55-44) – Senator Glimm

Defines the terms male, female, man, woman, father, mother, and biological sex in Montana law.

Go to LegMT.gov to learn more about these and other bills.

Shane Klakken (R) is the Representative for House District 37.
Email: Shane.Klakken@legmt.gov
Phone: 406-217-6107

Be sure to contact Senator Barry Usher when you have a need:
Barry.Usher@legmt.gov
406-671-6000

Special Announcement

Join Rep. Klakken, Rep. Gregg, and Sen. Usher at the Yogo Inn at 6:00pm on May 12th for a post-legislative session town hall discussing the 69th Montana Legislative Session.