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MA

Bill

SB 496

Providing a use policy for the executive residence when the governor has an alternate residence

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Mary Ann Dunwell

SB 496 would set use policies for Montana's governor's residence during periods when the governor uses an alternate home, but died in legislative process.

(S) Died in Process
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Bill Summary · SB 496

Legislative bill overview

SB 496 would establish a formal use policy governing the Montana Governor's executive residence when the governor maintains an alternate private residence. The bill addresses how the official residence could be used during periods when the governor is not primarily residing there, potentially for public events, tours, or other state purposes.

Why is this important

Executive residences represent significant public assets and ongoing maintenance costs. Clarifying their use when governors spend time at personal properties could maximize public benefit from the facility while addressing questions about proper stewardship of state resources and potential revenue generation opportunities.

Potential points of contention

  • Privacy and security concerns: Governors may resist increased public access to the executive residence, citing personal safety and family privacy needs regardless of whether they maintain alternate residences
  • Cost allocation ambiguity: The bill doesn't clarify who bears maintenance, staffing, and operational costs when the residence isn't actively used as the governor's primary home, or whether public use generates offsetting revenue
  • Defining "alternate residence": Questions about what qualifies as an alternate residence and whether this policy could apply to governors in future administrations with different living arrangements

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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