Senate Bill No. introduced by T. Tezak and others aims to revise the access protocols for Department of Revenue property valuation employees when appraising or auditing private property. The bill mandates that these employees must obtain written permission from the landowner or their agent before entering private land for property tax purposes. It amends Sections 15-7-139 and 15-7-140 of the Montana Code Annotated (MCA) to reflect this requirement, ensuring that landowners are informed of their rights and the process for granting access. The bill also removes previous provisions regarding the publication of notices and the requirements for landowners to notify the department about their presence during appraisals.

Additionally, the bill stipulates that county treasurers must include a statement in their notices that property valuation staff may request written permission to enter private property, emphasizing the landowner's right to be present during appraisals. The effective date for this act is set for January 1, 2026, and it will apply to property tax appraisals conducted after December 31, 2025. Overall, the bill seeks to enhance the rights of landowners and establish clearer guidelines for property valuation staff regarding access to private property.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 15-7-139, 15-7-140
SB0519_1(1): 15-7-139, 15-7-140
SB0519_1(2): 15-7-139, 15-7-140
SB0519_1(3): 15-7-139, 15-7-140
SB0519_1: 15-7-139, 15-7-140