Senate Joint Resolution No. 45, introduced by M. Dunwell, requests an interim study to establish a use policy for the executive residence in Montana when the governor has an alternate residence. The resolution highlights the current state of the executive residence, which is a state-owned property requiring significant renovations to meet safety and building codes. Despite previous appropriations totaling $2,340,500 for renovations, the project is currently on hold due to inflationary costs, material shortages, and workforce issues. The residence has remained vacant since September 2021, incurring annual upkeep costs of approximately $100,000.

The resolution mandates that the Legislative Council designate an appropriate interim committee to conduct a thorough review of the executive residence, including an in-person tour and an assessment of renovation plans. The committee is tasked with creating lists of necessary renovations and secondary requests, exploring potential solutions for the property's disrepair, and considering alternative uses for the residence if it is not utilized as the governor's primary residence. The study's findings and recommendations are to be reported to the 70th Legislature in the form of introduced legislation, with all aspects of the study required to be completed by September 15, 2026.