68th Legislature HJ 35.1
1 HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 35
2 INTRODUCED BY S. GALLOWAY, E. BUTTREY, B. MOLNAR, G. HERTZ, J. HINKLE, D. LOGE, L.
3 SHELDON-GALLOWAY, N. DURAM, L. BREWSTER, K. ZOLNIKOV, A. REGIER, S. GIST, J. SCHILLINGER,
4 R. MARSHALL, R. MINER, G. PARRY, G. OBLANDER, L. DEMING, J. BERGSTROM, G. KMETZ, J. KARLEN,
5 P. GREEN
6
7 A JOINT RESOLUTION OF THE SENATE AND THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF
8 MONTANA REQUESTING AN INTERIM STUDY ON LOCAL PERMITTING PROCESSES AND
9 PROCEDURES; AND REQUIRING THAT THE FINAL RESULTS OF THE STUDY BE REPORTED TO THE
10 69TH LEGISLATURE.
11
12 WHEREAS, many local businesses rely on a local government to permit building construction and
13 reconstruction, both for structural and aesthetic purposes, a process that is often laborious, time-consuming,
14 and costly for the consumer; and
15 WHEREAS, many cities in the state utilize local design review boards that often complete redundant or
16 duplicative reviews that may be already included in other ordinances and regulations, creating additional
17 bureaucracy and paperwork for building owners; and
18 WHEREAS, the permit process in some cities and counties is more efficient than others, and the
19 citizens of the state may benefit from a more consistent, streamlined process across all locations; and
20 WHEREAS, a study into the impacts of the local government permitting processes and procedures
21 allows the state to gather information that may help encourage and promote economic development and allow
22 individual businesses to operate with less unnecessary regulation.
23
24 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE AND THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF
25 THE STATE OF MONTANA:
26 That the Legislative Council be requested to designate an appropriate interim committee or statutory
27 committee, pursuant to section 5-5-217, MCA, or direct sufficient staff resources to:
28 (1) review and compare the current permitting process in cities and counties of various
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1 populations, tax bases, and economies;
2 (2) determine the extent to which economic impacts may be related to the permitting process;
3 (3) determine the long-term costs and benefits of different policies and procedures; and
4 (4) recommend legislation, if desired, to encourage a more efficient permitting process across the
5 state.
6 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the study include representatives from interested parties, including
7 but not limited to the Montana Association of Counties, the Montana League of Cities and Towns, the
8 Department of Commerce, the Department of Labor and Industry, and other city, county, consolidated city-
9 county government, and industry representatives as considered appropriate.
10 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that if the study is assigned to staff, any findings or conclusions be
11 presented to and reviewed by an appropriate committee designated by the Legislative Council.
12 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that all aspects of the study, including presentation and review
13 requirements, be concluded prior to September 15, 2024.
14 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the final results of the study, including any findings, conclusions,
15 comments, or recommendations of the appropriate committee, be reported to the 69th Legislature.
16 - END -
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