Op-Ed: HB 680 - A Bad Deal for Montana's Historic Treasures

While House District 69 Representative Ken Walsh sponsored HB 680, it passed with overwhelming support from the Legislature, making it a mistake shared by many that never should have happened.

HB 680 changes how Montana treats two of its most important historic places: Virginia City and Nevada City. These towns are not just state-owned property. They are living parts of Montana’s story, held in trust for future generations. HB 680 breaks that trust.

The bill allows the state to enter into 99-year lease agreements. In simple terms, that gives private operators control of Virginia City and Nevad...