House Bill No. introduced by T. Falk revises laws related to qualified electors in voted mill levy elections in Montana. The bill allows property owners who do not reside within the taxing jurisdiction to be considered qualified electors, with specific restrictions. It amends Section 15-10-425 of the Montana Code Annotated (MCA) to clarify that a qualified elector includes both electors as defined in 13-1-101 and property owners within the taxing jurisdiction. Additionally, it stipulates that individuals may only vote once in the election, regardless of the number of properties they own, and that both owners of jointly owned property are entitled to vote individually.

The bill also includes provisions for the election process, requiring the governing body to prepare and provide notice of the election, as well as specific information on the ballot regarding the potential impact of the mill levy on property taxes. Furthermore, it defines "owner of property" as a person holding title to real property within the taxing jurisdiction and who can present proof of tax payment. The governing body is authorized to impose the levy if a majority of voters approve it, and it retains the ability to reduce the levy in future fiscal years without losing the authority to impose the maximum amount approved.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 15-10-425
HB0799_1(1): 15-10-425
HB0799_1(2): 15-10-425
HB0799_1: 15-10-425