Senate Bill No. introduced by G. Hertz requires voter approval for property tax levies and bond issuances intended to satisfy judgments, settlements, or property taxes paid under protest when they exceed specified limits. The bill amends several sections of the Montana Code Annotated (MCA) to ensure that local taxpayers have a voice in significant financial decisions that could affect their tax obligations. Key amendments include the stipulation that any property tax levies or bonds issued for judgments exceeding the limits set in section 2-9-108 must be submitted to registered electors, thereby enhancing transparency and accountability in local government financial practices.

Additionally, the bill clarifies the funding sources available to local governments for satisfying judgments, such as insurance, general funds, and special levies, while removing previous provisions that allowed for levies without voter approval. It also modifies the procedures for calculating mill levies, allows governmental entities to carry forward unused mill authority, and specifies that newly taxable properties encompass various property transfers and improvements. By removing certain exemptions from maximum mill levy calculations, the legislation aims to ensure that all levies adhere to the same standards, ultimately promoting fiscal responsibility and increased voter engagement in local financial decisions.

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(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(3): 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(4): 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(5): 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(6): 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(7): 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(8): 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_2(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_2(10): 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_2(11): 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_2(12): 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_2(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_2(3): 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_2(4): 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_2(5): 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_2(6): 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_2(7): 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_2(8): 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_2(9): 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_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