Senate Bill No. introduced by D. Fern aims to revise the classification of Class Five property to include certain telecommunications property. The bill amends Section 15-6-135 of the Montana Code Annotated (MCA) by expanding the definition of Class Five property to encompass property owned by entities that provide telecommunications services not only to rural areas but also to cities and towns with a population of 1,200 permanent residents or less, as well as those that operate in no more than three counties. This change is intended to support the growth of telecommunications infrastructure in less populated areas.

Additionally, the bill establishes an immediate effective date and retroactive applicability for property tax years beginning after December 31, 2024. This means that the new classifications and provisions will be in effect as soon as the bill is passed, and they will apply to property tax assessments for the specified future years. The bill also includes provisions for the taxation and exemption of air and water pollution control and carbon capture equipment, as well as specific regulations regarding fiber optic and coaxial cable installations.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 15-6-135
SB0550_1(1): 15-6-135
SB0550_1: 15-6-135