Senate Bill No. [number] seeks to amend Montana's finance laws by creating the Montana Growth and Opportunity Trust, which will receive annual transfers of volatile revenues. This trust will facilitate the distribution of interest income to various state special revenue accounts, including the Montana Water Development State Special Revenue Account and the Better Local Bridge Account. The bill also transfers authority for certain housing loans from the Coal Tax Trust Fund to the new trust, establishing the Montana Housing Trust and the Montana Early Childhood Account. Additionally, it introduces property tax assistance for primary residences, detailing a certification process and penalties for false applications, while repealing Section 17-7-134 related to the Pension State Special Revenue Account.

The bill further amends several sections of the Montana Code Annotated to enhance property tax assessment transparency and accountability. It prohibits governmental entities from increasing the number of mills due to legislative actions that are reimbursed and clarifies the role of the county tax appeal board in examining property valuation applications. A new State Property Tax Assistance Account is established to provide assistance to primary residences, with specific funding allocations outlined. The bill also mandates detailed notices for taxpayers regarding their assessments and includes provisions for the Montana Housing Trust to support low- and moderate-income housing initiatives. Overall, the bill aims to improve financial management and support for housing, early childhood services, and property tax assistance 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: 17-6-202, 17-6-214, 17-7-134, 19-3-316, 19-20-609