Senate Bill No. introduced by G. Hertz seeks to revise vehicle registration fees and amend several sections of the Montana Code Annotated (MCA), specifically sections 15-1-121, 15-1-122, 61-3-321, and 61-3-562. The bill aims to enhance the entitlement share payment system for local governments, ensuring a more consistent revenue stream from the state general fund by modifying the growth rate for these payments and adjusting the calculation methods. Additionally, it proposes significant reductions in registration fees for various vehicles, including light vehicles, trucks, and buses, with the annual fee for light vehicles under four years old decreasing from $217 to $110.

The bill also introduces a flat fee structure for trailers, semitrailers, and pole trailers, setting their registration fee at a flat rate of $50. Other key changes include a one-time registration fee for collector's items at $10, a reduced fee of $45 for off-highway vehicles, and a lowered annual fee of $20 for heavy trucks, buses, and logging trucks. Furthermore, it establishes a uniform registration fee of $45 for motorcycles and quadricycles, along with a safety fee of $7. The bill simplifies registration fees for travel trailers, motorboats, and snowmobiles, with many fees reduced to flat rates, and introduces a permanent registration option for light vehicles aged 11 years or older at a fee of $75. Overall, the proposed amendments aim to streamline vehicle registration processes and reduce costs for Montana residents while ensuring adequate revenue for state funds.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 61-3-321, 61-3-562
SB0327_1(1): 61-3-321, 61-3-562
SB0327_1(2): 61-3-321, 61-3-562
SB0327_1(3): 61-3-321, 61-3-562
SB0327_1(4): 61-3-321, 61-3-562
SB0327_1(5): 61-3-321, 61-3-562
SB0327_1: 61-3-321, 61-3-562
SB0327_2(1): 15-1-121, 15-1-122, 61-3-321, 61-3-562
SB0327_2(10): 61-3-321, 61-3-562
SB0327_2(11): 61-3-321, 61-3-562
SB0327_2(12): 61-3-321, 61-3-562
SB0327_2(13): 61-3-321, 61-3-562
SB0327_2(14): 61-3-321, 61-3-562
SB0327_2(2): 15-1-121, 15-1-122, 61-3-321, 61-3-562
SB0327_2(3): 15-1-121, 15-1-122, 61-3-321, 61-3-562
SB0327_2(4): 15-1-121, 15-1-122, 61-3-321, 61-3-562
SB0327_2(5): 15-1-122, 61-3-321, 61-3-562
SB0327_2(6): 61-3-321, 61-3-562
SB0327_2(7): 61-3-321, 61-3-562
SB0327_2(8): 61-3-321, 61-3-562
SB0327_2(9): 61-3-321, 61-3-562
SB0327_2: 15-1-121, 15-1-122, 61-3-321, 61-3-562