This bill amends Section 22-3-1003 of the Montana Code Annotated, which governs the powers and contracting abilities of the Montana Heritage Preservation and Development Commission. A significant change introduced by this bill is the extension of the contract term limit for commercial leases with private organizations that invest substantial capital in properties managed by the commission. The new provision allows these leases to extend up to 99 years, thereby providing greater flexibility for long-term investments in heritage properties. Additionally, the bill clarifies that contracts under this section can be negotiated directly with vendors, bypassing state procurement laws, and specifies that contracts must include provisions for the payment of prevailing wages.

Other amendments include stipulations regarding the commission's ability to contract for construction projects exceeding $300,000, which now requires legislative consent unless waiting for such consent would lead to unnecessary damage or increased costs. The bill also mandates that a portion of profits from contracts be reinvested into the properties and that the commission must report its financial activities to the governor and legislature prior to each regular session. The act is set to take effect immediately upon passage and approval.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 22-3-1003
HB0680_1(1): 22-3-1003
HB0680_1(2): 22-3-1003
HB0680_1(3): 22-3-1003
HB0680_1(4): 22-3-1003
HB0680_1(5): 22-3-1003
HB0680_1(6): 22-3-1003
HB0680_1(7): 22-3-1003
HB0680_1: 22-3-1003
HB0680_X(1): 22-3-1003
HB0680_X(2): 22-3-1003
HB0680_X(3): 22-3-1003
HB0680_X(4): 22-3-1003
HB0680_X(5): 22-3-1003
HB0680_X(6): 22-3-1003
HB0680_X(7): 22-3-1003
HB0680_X(8): 22-3-1003
HB0680_X: 22-3-1003