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 Montana, is eligible for this temporary exemption from taxation, provided certain conditions are met. These conditions include the completion of a trust application by the tribe or tribal member and the timely submission of a property tax exemption application to the relevant department.

Additionally, the bill outlines the process for annual certification of the trust application status and stipulates that if a trust application is denied, the temporary exemption will expire at the end of the year in which the denial occurs. The bill also includes provisions for the recapture of property taxes if the exemption is no longer valid. Furthermore, it mandates that the Secretary of State notify each federally recognized tribal government in Montana about the new law, which will take effect immediately upon passage and approval, applying to exemption applications received thereafter.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 15-6-230