Senate Bill No. [insert bill number] aims to revise laws related to home-based businesses in Montana by allowing their operation and prohibiting local governments from banning them. The bill introduces new legal language that prevents municipalities from requiring permits or licenses for "no-impact home-based businesses," which are defined as businesses that do not exceed certain thresholds for onsite employees and clients, do not generate significant traffic, and are not visible from the street. Additionally, municipalities can establish reasonable regulations for these businesses to ensure public health and safety, compatibility with residential use, and compliance with state and federal laws.

The bill also amends several sections of the Montana Code Annotated (MCA), including 7-1-111, 7-21-4204, 76-2-304, and 76-2-309. Notably, it specifies that the use of a residential dwelling for a home-based business is a permitted use, provided it does not conflict with existing deed restrictions or community agreements. Furthermore, it prohibits municipalities from imposing additional licensing requirements or zoning changes for home-based businesses, thereby streamlining the process for individuals looking to operate such businesses from their homes.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 7-1-111, 7-21-4204, 76-2-304, 76-2-309
SB0418_1(1): 7-1-111, 7-21-4204, 76-2-304, 76-2-309
SB0418_1(2): 7-1-111, 7-21-4204, 76-2-304, 76-2-309
SB0418_1: 7-1-111, 7-21-4204, 76-2-304, 76-2-309