Legislative Update – 1/13/25
No hearings are scheduled this week. We’ll keep you posted if that changes. There are no updates on our tracked bills, but we do have some new additions.
Issues with the Bill Tracker System
There have been some issues with the new Bill Tracker system implemented by the state this session. Unfortunately, we can’t fully trust its accuracy right now.
In the planning world, this would mean postponing the hearing and re-advertising. In Helena? Ha, ha, ha—NOPE!
In all fairness, they are working to address the issues. However, if you really need to confirm whether a hearing is happening, reach out to someone with boots on the ground at the Capitol.
New Bills to Watch
- LC3842 – Remove the restriction on inclusionary zoning
We think this is something we could support, but it doesn’t seem to have much of a chance. We’re putting out feelers to gauge its viability before deciding how much effort to invest.
Status: Watch - LC1030 – Revise Impact Fee Laws
Many jurisdictions have impact fees, and this bill would change how those fees work and what they can be used for. Heads up! MAP will monitor this bill, but we are unlikely to weigh in.
Status: Watch - LC0016 – Generally revise the Land Use Planning Act
This bill addresses known issues in the Montana Land Use Planning Act (MTLUPA). Since these fixes come from MAP members, we anticipate supporting it. We have one question to resolve before posting our position.
Status: Watch - HB 124 – Require bicycles to go opposite the flow of traffic
As planners know, extensive data shows that cycling against the flow of traffic increases the risk of fatalities. While MAP doesn’t plan to weigh in on this bill due to workload, we will track it and keep you updated.
Status: Watch
Updates on Other Bills No changes on LC0014, LC0015, or LC0975, all of which were discussed last week. Last week’s updates and information on these bills are available at mtplanners.org.
