Montana’s property tax overhaul is about to enter a more complicated phase, and homeowners will need to pay attention. After a year of sweeping changes that reshaped tax bills statewide, the Department of Revenue is now proposing the detailed rules for a[...]
Tag: Montana
Commentary |
Want more elk and hunting opportunities? Keep the ‘roadless rule’
The management of about 38% of Montana’s national forest lands is guided by the 2001 Roadless Rule, which generally prevents new road construction while allowing for a multitude of other uses, including Off Highway Vehicle riding on motorized trails, firewood cutting, grazing,[...]
News |
Warming rivers prompt fishing restrictions in western Montana
Montana’s iconic rivers are feeling the strain this summer, and so are anglers. With drought deepening and water temperatures rising, officials have imposed early restrictions and closures across nearly two dozen rivers to protect vulnerable trout populations. These “hoot owl” closures, which[...]
News |
Montana congressional delegation praises removal of public land sales provision from ‘Big, Beautiful Bill’
In a rare show of unity, Montana’s congressional delegation chalked up a win in the early rounds of debate over the Senate’s massive spending package. Over the weekend, lawmakers stripped out a controversial provision that would have allowed the sale of millions[...]
News |
Missoula recognizes Pride flag as an official city flag in response to new state law
In a pointed response to a new Montana law restricting flag displays on government property, the Missoula City Council voted to recognize the Pride flag as one of its official city flags. The move, passed 9–2, sidesteps the state’s limitations by giving[...]
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Curio |
Don’t Look Now, But Montana Is Leading on Housing Policy
Montana isn’t waiting for a housing crisis to get worse—it’s rewriting the rules to stop one in its tracks. With rising home prices and a flood of new residents, the state has pushed forward with bold reforms, legalizing duplexes and small multifamily[...]
News |
New laws aim to strengthen Indigenous education and language revitalization efforts
Montana is doubling down on its promise to protect Native American heritage in schools. Two new laws, championed by Sen. Jonathan Windy Boy, aim to strengthen both Indian Education for All and Native language revitalization efforts. One law creates tougher financial accountability[...]
Curio |
Montana’s Arts Funding Fight Offers a Warning About Politics in the Fine Print
A routine bill to fund Montana’s arts grants turned into a bitter fight this session, and not everyone made it through unscathed. Lawmakers sent the measure to Governor Gianforte—but without restoring awards stripped from dozens of organizations that didn’t testify at a[...]
Curio |
Montana’s Property Tax Loophole: How Luxury Homes Benefit While Others Pay More
Montana’s property tax system is under scrutiny, and for good reason. A recent investigation revealed that thousands of million-dollar homes — including Gov. Greg Gianforte’s — benefit from agricultural tax breaks, paying far less than comparable residential properties. This loophole allows high-end[...]
Curio |
Montana has an official state sport — rodeo
Montana is set to celebrate its deep-rooted heritage with a new official state sport — American Rodeo. Once Governor Greg Gianforte signs House Bill 190, Montana will become the fourth state to honor its cultural traditions in this way, joining the ranks[...]
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Curio |
Bills aimed at closing ag property tax loopholes fall short in Montana
What happens when tax breaks meant for working farms end up sheltering million-dollar homes? That’s the question at the heart of two Montana bills that just failed in the Legislature. The measures aimed to close loopholes that allow luxury properties—some with little[...]
Curio |
Chaos reigns in Montana in a Divided Republican Senate as Moderates Team Up With Democrats
Moderates in Montana’s state Senate made headlines during a late-night session by asserting control over key proceedings, signaling frustration with the Republican leadership’s pace. This coalition of 18 minority Democrats and nine Republicans pushed through 20 motions to advance stalled legislation, despite[...]
Curio |
Montana Lawmakers ponder bills aimed a narrowing ag property tax loopholes
Montana lawmakers are evaluating two bills designed to tighten property tax benefits meant for agricultural landowners. House Bill 27 seeks to require owners of large properties to provide proof of farm income to qualify for agricultural status, while Senate Bill 4 proposes[...]
Curio |
Bill strengthening Montana’s Indigenous language program clears Senate
Montana is taking another step to preserve its Indigenous languages. A bill passed in the Senate this week strengthens a decade-old program by giving tribes more control over language revitalization efforts. Instead of working through school districts, tribes will have direct agency[...]
Curio |
Montana weed sales estimated at $300M in recreational industry’s first year
In 2021, Montana voters approved legalizing recreational marijuana. The law took effect on January 1, 2022, and the first-year data has come in. In the first 365 days, Montanan’s purchased $300 million in marijuana, more than double the state’s high-end projections. Purchases[...]
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News |
Montana Lawmakers Working to Raise Interstate Speedlimits
The proposed legislation would raise the daytime speed limit on Montana’s Interstate to 80 mph or higher. [...]Read More... from Montana Lawmakers Working to Raise Interstate Speedlimits