Prohibit tax assessor entry to private property without permission
Impact
The bill brings significant changes to how property appraisals are conducted, specifically altering the existing law to safeguard landowners against unauthorized entry. Under the new provisions, property valuation staff are restricted from appraising or auditing land without prior consent. This shift not only impacts the operational procedures of the Department of Revenue but also empowers landowners with rights to influence when and how their properties are accessed for valuation, thereby promoting a more respectful approach towards private property.
Summary
Senate Bill 519, introduced by Senators T. Tezak, V. Ricci, and others, aims to revise the procedures regarding access to private property by property valuation staff employed by the Department of Revenue in Montana. The bill mandates that written permission from the landowner or their agent is required prior to entering private property for appraisal or audit purposes. By changing the existing framework that lacked such strict permission requirements, SB519 seeks to enhance the protection of property owners' rights while ensuring transparency in the property appraisal processes performed for tax purposes.
Sentiment
The discussion surrounding SB519 reflects a generally favorable sentiment among those advocating for landowners' rights and privacy. Proponents argue that the bill strengthens protections for property owners, ensuring they are adequately informed and can be present during property evaluations. However, there are concerns about how these new requirements may slow down the appraisal process and potentially affect the efficiency of property tax administration. Opponents may argue that the necessity for written permission could complicate the appraisal routine, leading to delays that could be detrimental to tax assessments.
Contention
One of the notable points of contention lies in balancing the rights of landowners with the efficiency of property tax appraisal processes. Critics suggest that while it is vital to protect property rights, the added bureaucratic step of requiring written permission might hinder timely appraisals. Additionally, there are concerns regarding the adequacy of public notifications required by the bill, which may not sufficiently inform all landowners about their rights and the appraisal timetable. Ultimately, the passage of SB519 will reset expectations and practices around property access for tax purposes in Montana.
In game or wildlife protection, further providing for regulations and for unlawful activities; and, in hunting and furtaking, repealing provisions relating to hunting on Sunday prohibited, further providing for unlawful devices and methods and for trespass on private property while hunting and repealing provisions relating to hunting on Sunday without written permission.
In preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions; in Pennsylvania Game Commission, further providing for organization of commission, providing for prohibition and further providing for accountability; in hunting and furtaking, repealing provisions relating to hunting on Sunday prohibited, providing for temporary Sunday hunting authorized and for hunting and training on Sunday, repealing provisions relating to trespass on private property while hunting and to hunting on Sunday without written permission, providing for the offense of trespass on private land while hunting or furtaking and for the offense of hunting, trapping or taking game or wildlife without written permission and further providing for training dogs on small game; in special licenses and permits, further providing for field dog trials; imposing penalties; and making an editorial change.