Property Tax Bills Head to Governor

Two major property tax relief bills passed April 30, ultimately putting an end to the 69th Montana Legislature — but not without fiery pushback from hard-line Republicans and charged debates in the Senate.

Property tax reform was one of the biggest issues facing lawmakers this session. In the last three days of the session, just two bills addressing property tax remained: Senate Bill 542 and House Bill 231. As they rounded the final corner, Rep. Bill Mercer, R-Billings, called for one final adjournment in the House. But the Senate held on, voting down two motions to adjourn before finally agre...