Montana Legislature Concludes 69th Session
HELENA — The Montana Legislature officially wrapped up its 69th session on Wednesday after 85 working days. With a sense of finality, lawmakers adjourned “sine die,” quickly packing their desks and exiting the State Capitol.
On the final day, the House initiated discussions on House Bill 231, a pivotal property tax measure linked to Senate Bill 542. Both bills aim to establish "homestead" tax rates that reduce taxes for primary residences while increasing them for non-qualifying properties. However, state leaders recognized that full implementation would be delayed, necessitating interim rates and offering a one-time rebate of up to $400.
Debate centered on whether the proposed tax relief for primary residences justified the increased burden on other property types. Ultimately, the House approved HB 231 by a vote of 60-39 and passed House Bill 2, the state’s $16.6 billion budget.
The Senate, after a delayed start, passed SB 542 and HB 231 with a vote of 28-22. The session ended with emotional farewells from over a dozen lawmakers terming out after eight years.
Governor Greg Gianforte will now review the bills, which may face legal challenges in the coming weeks.
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