Senate Bill No. [insert bill number] seeks to revise Montana's state finance laws by establishing the Montana Growth and Opportunity Trust, which will be funded through annual transfers of volatile revenues. The bill outlines the allocation of funds from the trust, with half designated for distribution to various state accounts, including property tax assistance, water development, and early childhood programs, while the other half is earmarked for reinvestment in pensions and housing. Additionally, it creates new accounts such as the Montana Water Development State Special Revenue Account and the Better Local Bridge Account, and it transfers authority for certain housing loans from the Coal Tax Trust Fund to the new trust. The bill also introduces a Montana Housing Trust and a Montana Early Childhood Account, aimed at providing financial assistance for housing and early childhood education.

Moreover, the bill amends several sections of the Montana Code Annotated to enhance property tax assistance programs and streamline the appeals process for property owners. It establishes a State Property Tax Assistance Account, which will provide financial assistance for property taxes, and mandates that counties use these funds for property tax assistance. The bill also includes provisions for the certification of primary residences, penalties for false applications, and an appeals process for certification. Notably, it repeals Section 17-7-134 and makes various amendments to existing laws to support the new financial structures and processes introduced by the bill, ultimately aiming to improve financial management and support for taxpayers in Montana.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 17-6-202, 17-6-214, 17-7-134, 19-3-316, 19-20-609
SB0287_1(1): 17-6-202, 17-6-214, 17-7-134, 19-3-316, 19-20-609
SB0287_1(10): 17-6-202, 17-6-214, 17-7-134, 19-3-316, 19-20-609
SB0287_1(11): 17-6-202, 17-6-214, 17-7-134, 19-3-316, 19-20-609
SB0287_1(12): 17-6-202, 17-6-214, 17-7-134, 19-3-316, 19-20-609
SB0287_1(13): 17-6-202, 17-6-214, 17-7-134, 19-3-316, 19-20-609
SB0287_1(2): 17-6-202, 17-6-214, 17-7-134, 19-3-316, 19-20-609
SB0287_1(3): 17-6-202, 17-6-214, 17-7-134, 19-3-316, 19-20-609
SB0287_1(4): 17-6-202, 17-6-214, 17-7-134, 19-3-316, 19-20-609
SB0287_1(5): 17-6-202, 17-6-214, 17-7-134, 19-3-316, 19-20-609
SB0287_1(6): 17-6-202, 17-6-214, 17-7-134, 19-3-316, 19-20-609
SB0287_1(7): 17-6-202, 17-6-214, 17-7-134, 19-3-316, 19-20-609
SB0287_1(8): 17-6-202, 17-6-214, 17-7-134, 19-3-316, 19-20-609
SB0287_1(9): 17-6-202, 17-6-214, 17-7-134, 19-3-316, 19-20-609
SB0287_1: 17-6-202, 17-6-214, 17-7-134, 19-3-316, 19-20-609
SB0287_2(1): 17-6-202, 17-6-214, 17-7-134, 19-3-316, 19-20-609
SB0287_2(2): 17-6-202, 17-6-214, 17-7-134, 19-3-316, 19-20-609
SB0287_2(3): 17-6-202, 17-6-214, 17-7-134, 19-3-316, 19-20-609
SB0287_2(4): 17-6-202, 17-6-214, 17-7-134, 19-3-316, 19-20-609
SB0287_2(5): 17-6-202, 17-6-214, 17-7-134, 19-3-316, 19-20-609
SB0287_2(6): 17-6-202, 17-6-214, 17-7-134, 19-3-316, 19-20-609
SB0287_2(7): 17-6-202, 17-6-214, 17-7-134, 19-3-316, 19-20-609
SB0287_2(8): 17-6-202, 17-6-214, 17-7-134, 19-3-316, 19-20-609
SB0287_2: 17-6-202, 17-6-214, 17-7-134, 19-3-316, 19-20-609
SB0287_3(1): 17-6-202, 17-6-214, 17-7-134, 19-3-316, 19-20-609
SB0287_3(2): 17-6-202, 17-6-214, 17-7-134, 19-3-316, 19-20-609
SB0287_3(3): 17-6-202, 17-6-214, 17-7-134, 19-3-316, 19-20-609
SB0287_3: 17-6-202, 17-6-214, 17-7-134, 19-3-316, 19-20-609