The bill proposes significant revisions to mill levy election laws in Montana, primarily by limiting the duration of voted mill levies to a maximum of five years and requiring that voter turnout exceeds 50% for approval. It also mandates that the resolution or petition for a mill levy election includes detailed information such as the specific purpose of the levy, the dollar amount to be raised, and the anticipated operating and maintenance expenses. Additionally, the bill removes the previous requirement for a majority of electors voting on the question for approval, replacing it with a requirement for a majority of those voting in favor of the levy, thereby enhancing transparency and accountability in the election process.

Moreover, the bill addresses the establishment and management of building reserve funds and technology acquisition funds for school districts. It allows for the approval of building reserve propositions based on the votes of electors and introduces a subfund for major maintenance and repairs, permitting a levy of up to 10 mills for identified improvements. The bill also outlines the budgeting process for transition costs related to school changes and establishes a technology acquisition and depreciation fund, detailing allowable expenditures and the process for proposing additional levies for technology costs. Overall, these amendments aim to improve funding mechanisms for school infrastructure and technology while ensuring compliance with financial administration requirements.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 7-6-4431, 7-14-1134, 7-16-2102, 7-16-2109, 7-22-2142, 7-32-235, 15-10-425, 20-9-353, 20-9-502, 20-9-533