Montana 2025 Regular Session

Montana Senate Bill SB3

Introduced
12/18/24  
Refer
1/7/25  
Engrossed
2/3/25  
Refer
2/4/25  
Enrolled
3/18/25  

Caption

Require advisory committee for districts that use tax increment financing

Impact

The implementation of SB3 would solidify the oversight mechanisms associated with tax increment financing, allowing for increased transparency and community engagement in financial matters tied to local development. It would potentially lead to more informed decision-making, directly involving community stakeholders in discussions about TIF projects and their implications for local economies and urban development.

Summary

SB3 aims to create an advisory committee for districts that utilize tax increment financing (TIF). The advisory committee is tasked with guiding and overseeing the implementation of TIF projects, ensuring that they meet community goals and adhere to regulatory standards. The bill emphasizes the importance of local input and accountability in the use of TIF, reflecting a legislative intent to balance development and community interests.

Sentiment

The sentiment around SB3 appears to be largely favorable, particularly among local government representatives and community activists who advocate for transparent and accountable development practices. Supporters argue that the advisory committee will offer a necessary structure to monitor TIF usage effectively. However, some concerns about bureaucratic delays and the potential for overcomplication in the approval process have surfaced among critics who fear that adding layers of governance could hinder timely project implementation.

Contention

Notable points of contention include debates over the feasibility and efficacy of the advisory committee's role. Some legislators question whether the proposed oversight will genuinely enhance accountability or merely serve as an additional bureaucratic hurdle. Furthermore, opponents raise concerns that it could undermine local authority by imposing state-level restrictions on how local governments implement tax increment financing and make developmental decisions.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

MT SB505

Revise tax increment calculation for districts that use tax increment financing

MT SB523

Generally revise tax increment financing laws

MT HB925

Revise laws related to tax increment pledged to payment of bonds

MT HB262

Revise local government financial reporting and audit requirements

MT SB125

Limit certain property tax levies to 5 years without reapproval

MT SB548

Eliminate government entity property tax levy limitations

MT HB79

Create sexual assault response network program and committee

MT SB336

Allow for the creation of ambulance districts

MT SB145

Provide for local distribution of lodging tax revenue

MT SB442

Allow marijuana tax revenue to be used for county road maintenance

Similar Bills

LA HB1103

Provides relative to the La. Sports and Entertainment District (EN DECREASE GF RV See Note)

TX HB2300

Relating to funding and donations for county transportation projects, including projects of county energy transportation reinvestment zones.

LA HB335

Relative to the New Orleans City Park Taxing District, provides with respect to procedures relative to use of state sales tax increments for tax increment financing (EN DECREASE GF RV See Note)

TX HB3275

Relating to the operation and governance of tax increment financing reinvestment zones.

MT HB369

Create a county road maintenance district

LA SB412

Authorizes creation of special districts within certain cities and provides for the governance and the powers and duties of the district, including tax increment finance authority. (gov sig)

KS SB497

Establishing the Pike reservoir project district act to provide for a lake and related commercial and residential development in Bourbon county and authorizing a governing board and sales and property tax increment financing for such project.

TX SB393

Relating to the treatment for school finance purposes of school district optional residence homestead ad valorem tax exemptions.