The bill amends local government nuisance laws in Montana, specifically targeting the processes for addressing community decay and public nuisances. It establishes a minimum threshold for citizen complaints, requiring that at least three property owners within one-fourth of a mile of the property in question must file complaints before a county officer can conduct a site inspection. However, if the governing body identifies a health violation that could impact the surrounding community, they can bypass this requirement. Additionally, the bill clarifies that the governing body retains the authority to enact community decay controls that may only apply to specific areas within the county.

Furthermore, the bill revises the definition of nuisances by allowing city or town councils to control and abate conditions that endanger health or safety, are offensive to the senses, or obstruct the comfortable enjoyment of life or property for a community or neighborhood. It removes outdated provisions regarding the regulation of hats in public places and emphasizes that nuisances affecting a community are still considered nuisances, regardless of the unequal impact on individuals. The act is set to take effect on January 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 7-5-2111, 7-5-4104
HB0742_1(1): 7-5-2111, 7-5-4104
HB0742_1(2): 7-5-2111, 7-5-4104
HB0742_1(3): 7-5-2111, 7-5-4104
HB0742_1(4): 7-5-2111, 7-5-4104
HB0742_1(5): 7-5-2111, 7-5-4104
HB0742_1: 7-5-2111, 7-5-4104
HB0742_2(1): 7-5-2111, 7-5-4104
HB0742_2(2): 7-5-2111, 7-5-4104
HB0742_2(3): 7-5-2111, 7-5-4104
HB0742_2(4): 7-5-2111, 7-5-4104
HB0742_2(5): 7-5-2111, 7-5-4104
HB0742_2(6): 7-5-2111, 7-5-4104
HB0742_2(7): 7-5-2111, 7-5-4104
HB0742_2(8): 7-5-2111, 7-5-4104
HB0742_2: 7-5-2111, 7-5-4104
HB0742_X(1): 7-5-2111, 7-5-4104
HB0742_X(10): 7-5-2111, 7-5-4104
HB0742_X(11): 7-5-2111, 7-5-4104
HB0742_X(2): 7-5-2111, 7-5-4104
HB0742_X(3): 7-5-2111, 7-5-4104
HB0742_X(4): 7-5-2111, 7-5-4104
HB0742_X(5): 7-5-2111, 7-5-4104
HB0742_X(6): 7-5-2111, 7-5-4104
HB0742_X(7): 7-5-2111, 7-5-4104
HB0742_X(8): 7-5-2111, 7-5-4104
HB0742_X(9): 7-5-2111, 7-5-4104
HB0742_X: 7-5-2111, 7-5-4104