Legislative Update: Week 2

Dear MAR Members,

The second week of the 68th Montana Legislature is wrapping up today, with over 300 bills having been introduced in either the Senate or House chambers, and it's just the beginning! Here is your bi-weekly Legislative update on all things real estate happening right now during the session. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out to us.

Sincerely,

Your MAR Government Affairs Team

MAR LEGISLATIVE POSITION STATEMENT

Legislative Week 2

Supported Bills:

SB 105 - Sen. Fitzpatrick

To prohibit rent control of private property. REALTORS® have always strongly opposed any type of rent control or restrictions that deter investment in rental housing.

Status: In committee

HB 114 - Rep. Vinton

Shortens and revises the timeline for the water right permit and change process. REALTORS® support clear and consistent rules for the permitting of new appropriations of water and changes in existing appropriations.

Status: Passed in committee

SB 130 - Sen. Mandeville

Allows for a county consolidated land use board. REALTORS® believe that local governments, in close cooperation with their citizens, should be responsible for decisions regarding land use.

Status: Draft

SB 131 - Sen. Mandeville

MAR sponsored bill that sets timelines for local governments to make a decision on subdivision exemptions and prohibits conditions of approval. REALTORS® believe subdivision law should be used to set forth objective, predictable, and equitable criteria for dividing land and should be done in a timely manner.

Status: In committee

LC 0300 - Rep. Hertz

Establishes that short-term rentals are a residential use of property and are permissible unless prohibited throughout a zoning district.

Status: Draft

Opposed Bills:

SB 153 - Rep. Molnar

Revises ballot initiative laws related to initiative review. This eliminates the interim committee review of ballot initiatives, the registration fee, and the Attorney General's review of the bill pertaining to harming business interests.

Status: In committee

LC 0026 - Rep. Molnar

Revises notice requirements for ballot issues. This requires the Secretary of State to post the complete text of a proposed ballot issue online and requires all signature sheets to include the Secretary of State's web address to the full text. This removes the current requirement of all signature sheets needing the complete text of the proposed ballot initiative attached in writing.

Status: Draft

LC 0627 - Sen. Bogner

Limits homeowner association fees.

Status: Draft

LC 0618 - Sen. Bogner

Revises and limits housing and property covenant laws.

Status: Draft