House Bill No. [insert bill number] proposes to revise laws regarding university housing within the Montana University System. The bill stipulates that universities and colleges cannot mandate students to reside in on-campus housing if they live with an immediate family member at their principal residence, provided that the residence is within a one-hour drive from the campus. The bill defines "immediate family member" to include parents, legal guardians, grandparents, aunts, uncles, or siblings aged 18 and older. Additionally, it allows universities to require students to submit a form confirming their off-campus residence and to acknowledge that providing false information may lead to disciplinary action.

The bill also mandates that universities must respond to a student's request for off-campus housing approval within two business days and cannot deny the request if the student meets the outlined criteria. Furthermore, the bill includes a codification instruction indicating that the new section will be integrated into Title 20, chapter 25, part 5 of the Montana Code. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.