The bill establishes a requirement for voter approval on property tax levies and bond issuances intended to satisfy judgments, settlements, or property taxes paid under protest. It introduces new legal language that mandates these levies and bonds be submitted to registered electors for approval, specifically referencing sections 15-10-425, 7-7-2223, 7-7-4221, and 20-9-421. Additionally, the bill removes the existing provision that allowed property taxes to be levied without voter consent for the purpose of satisfying judgments, thereby reinforcing the need for public approval in these financial matters.

Moreover, the bill amends the Montana Code Annotated (MCA) to clarify that bonds issued by school districts to satisfy final judgments or settlements must also receive voter approval, as outlined in Section 20-9-403. It further modifies the calculation of mill levies, allowing governmental entities to impose a levy that generates property taxes assessed in the prior year plus half of the average inflation rate over the last three years. These changes aim to enhance transparency and accountability in the financial operations of local governments and school districts, ensuring that significant financial decisions are made with public consent.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 2-9-316, 7-6-4015, 7-6-4035, 7-6-4453, 7-7-2202, 7-7-2221, 7-7-4221, 15-1-402, 15-10-420, 20-9-403, 20-9-421, 20-9-471
SB0108_1: 2-9-316, 7-6-4015, 7-6-4035, 7-6-4453, 7-7-2202, 7-7-2221, 7-7-4221, 15-1-402, 15-10-420, 20-9-403, 20-9-421, 20-9-471
SB0108_1(2): 2-9-316, 7-6-4015, 7-6-4035, 7-6-4453, 7-7-2202, 7-7-2221, 7-7-4221, 15-1-402, 15-10-420, 20-9-403, 20-9-421, 20-9-471
SB0108_1(1): 2-9-316, 7-6-4015, 7-6-4035, 7-6-4453, 7-7-2202, 7-7-2221, 7-7-4221, 15-1-402, 15-10-420, 20-9-403, 20-9-421, 20-9-471