House Bill No. [insert bill number] aims to clarify the limitations on local governments regarding the requirement of additional licensing or permitting. The bill amends Section 7-1-111 of the Montana Code Annotated (MCA) to explicitly prohibit local government units with self-government powers from requiring additional professional or occupational licensing, permitting, or authorization when the state is the original issuer of such licenses, permits, or authorizations. The only exceptions to this prohibition are if expressly authorized by state law or if a state agency has delegated the ability to issue such licenses or permits to the local government.

In addition to the main focus on licensing, the bill outlines various other powers that local governments are denied, including the ability to regulate certain aspects of landlord-tenant relationships, impose fees or taxes based on carbon use, and control rent prices for private properties. The bill emphasizes the importance of maintaining a consistent regulatory framework across the state and ensuring that local governments do not overstep their authority in areas already governed by state law. The act is set to take effect immediately upon passage and approval.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 7-1-111
HB0594_1(1): 7-1-111
HB0594_1(2): 7-1-111
HB0594_1(3): 7-1-111
HB0594_1(4): 7-1-111
HB0594_1: 7-1-111
HB0594_2(1): 7-1-111
HB0594_2(10): 7-1-111
HB0594_2(11): 7-1-111
HB0594_2(12): 7-1-111
HB0594_2(2): 7-1-111
HB0594_2(3): 7-1-111
HB0594_2(4): 7-1-111
HB0594_2(5): 7-1-111
HB0594_2(6): 7-1-111
HB0594_2(7): 7-1-111
HB0594_2(8): 7-1-111
HB0594_2(9): 7-1-111
HB0594_2: 7-1-111
HB0594_3(1): 7-1-111
HB0594_3(2): 7-1-111
HB0594_3(3): 7-1-111
HB0594_3: 7-1-111