This bill amends Section 15-6-230 of the Montana Code Annotated to expand the temporary property tax exemption for certain tribal properties to include properties owned by individual members of federally recognized Indian tribes. The revised language specifies that property owned in fee by either a federally recognized Indian tribe or a tribal member, located within the state of Montana, is eligible for this exemption, provided that specific conditions are met, such as the completion of a trust application and timely submission of a property tax exemption application to the department.

Additionally, the bill introduces new provisions for notification to tribal governments and establishes an immediate effective date for the act, applying to exemption applications received on or after the effective date. The amendments also clarify the process for annual certification of the trust application status and outline the consequences of a denied trust application, including the recapture of property taxes. Overall, the bill aims to enhance the tax exemption framework for tribal properties and their members in Montana.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 15-6-230