House Bill No. introduced by L. Brewster aims to revise the Montana local disaster resiliency fund by increasing the statutory appropriation from $4 million to up to $15 million per year, starting in the fiscal year 2025. The bill eliminates the termination date of the fund, which was previously set to expire on June 30, 2025, and instead establishes a new provision for the transfer of funds. Specifically, it mandates the state treasurer to transfer $50 million from the general fund to the local disaster resiliency fund by June 30, 2025, and an additional $50 million during the biennium ending June 30, 2027.

Additionally, the bill amends the eligible uses of the fund to include state and local mitigation projects aimed at reducing long-term risks from natural disasters, as well as funding for personnel and contracted resources for mitigation program management. The previous provisions regarding matching funds for hazardous material equipment and training have been removed, and the appropriation will be void in any year where there is a projected general fund budget deficit. The act is set to take effect immediately upon passage and approval.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 17-7-502
HB0034_1(1): 17-7-133
HB0034_1(2): 17-7-133
HB0034_1(3): 17-7-133
HB0034_1(4): 17-7-133
HB0034_1(5): 17-7-133
HB0034_1: 17-7-133