This bill revises the laws governing the Department of Commerce, specifically addressing the distribution and utilization of lodging facility use tax revenues. It mandates that these revenues be allocated for specific purposes, including the expansion and permanent establishment of an emergency lodging and recovery program aimed at assisting victims of domestic violence and human trafficking. Key amendments involve changes to the distribution percentages of tax proceeds, with new allocations for tourism promotion, emergency services, and support for under-visited areas. The bill also repeals certain sections of existing law while introducing new provisions to enhance the effectiveness of the emergency lodging program.

Significant changes include a reallocation of tax proceeds to prioritize rural and tribal tourism initiatives, as well as the introduction of recovery assistance services for victims. The reimbursement process for participating establishments in the emergency lodging program will shift from a grant application system to a reimbursement model. Furthermore, the bill establishes an emergency lodging and recovery account managed by the Department of Justice, which will provide grants to licensed establishments offering short-term lodging and recovery assistance. The program is designed to be permanent, with certain sections set to terminate on June 30, 2027. Overall, the bill aims to bolster support for vulnerable populations while enhancing tourism-related initiatives in Montana.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 15-65-121, 44-4-1505, 44-4-1506
SB0409_1(1): 15-65-121, 44-4-1505, 44-4-1506
SB0409_1(2): 15-65-121, 44-4-1505, 44-4-1506
SB0409_1(3): 15-65-121, 44-4-1505, 44-4-1506
SB0409_1(4): 15-65-121, 44-4-1505, 44-4-1506
SB0409_1(5): 15-65-121, 44-4-1505, 44-4-1506
SB0409_1(6): 15-65-121, 44-4-1505, 44-4-1506
SB0409_1: 15-65-121, 44-4-1505, 44-4-1506
SB0409_2(1): 15-65-121, 44-4-1505, 44-4-1506
SB0409_2(10): 15-65-121, 44-4-1505, 44-4-1506
SB0409_2(11): 15-65-121, 44-4-1505, 44-4-1506
SB0409_2(12): 15-65-121, 44-4-1505, 44-4-1506
SB0409_2(13): 15-65-121, 44-4-1505, 44-4-1506
SB0409_2(14): 15-65-121, 44-4-1505, 44-4-1506
SB0409_2(15): 15-65-121, 44-4-1505, 44-4-1506
SB0409_2(16): 15-65-121, 44-4-1505, 44-4-1506
SB0409_2(17): 15-65-121, 44-4-1505, 44-4-1506
SB0409_2(18): 15-65-121, 44-4-1505, 44-4-1506
SB0409_2(2): 15-65-121, 44-4-1505, 44-4-1506
SB0409_2(3): 15-65-121, 44-4-1505, 44-4-1506
SB0409_2(4): 15-65-121, 44-4-1505, 44-4-1506
SB0409_2(5): 15-65-121, 44-4-1505, 44-4-1506
SB0409_2(6): 15-65-121, 44-4-1505, 44-4-1506
SB0409_2(7): 15-65-121, 44-4-1505, 44-4-1506
SB0409_2(8): 15-65-121, 44-4-1505, 44-4-1506
SB0409_2(9): 15-65-121, 44-4-1505, 44-4-1506
SB0409_2: 15-65-121, 44-4-1505, 44-4-1506
SB0409_3(1): 15-65-121, 44-4-1505, 44-4-1506
SB0409_3(2): 15-65-121, 44-4-1505, 44-4-1506
SB0409_3(3): 15-65-121, 44-4-1505, 44-4-1506
SB0409_3(4): 15-65-121, 44-4-1505, 44-4-1506
SB0409_3: 15-65-121, 44-4-1505, 44-4-1506
SB0409_X(1): 15-65-121, 44-4-1505, 44-4-1506
SB0409_X(10): 15-65-121, 44-4-1505, 44-4-1506
SB0409_X(2): 15-65-121, 44-4-1505, 44-4-1506
SB0409_X(3): 15-65-121, 44-4-1505, 44-4-1506
SB0409_X(4): 15-65-121, 44-4-1505, 44-4-1506
SB0409_X(5): 15-65-121, 44-4-1505, 44-4-1506
SB0409_X(6): 15-65-121, 44-4-1505, 44-4-1506
SB0409_X(7): 15-65-121, 44-4-1505, 44-4-1506
SB0409_X(8): 15-65-121, 44-4-1505, 44-4-1506
SB0409_X(9): 15-65-121, 44-4-1505, 44-4-1506
SB0409_X: 15-65-121, 44-4-1505, 44-4-1506