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HB 87

Revising taxation of lands owned by department of fish, wildlife, and parks

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Sherry Essmann

Montana law signed: revises property tax treatment of Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Parks lands, affecting county revenues and conservation funding mechanisms.

Chapter Number Assigned
#fishandwildlife #revenue #state #statefinance(seealso:appropriations;taxationsubjects) #stategovernment #statelands #taxation(generally) #taxation--property
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Bill Summary · HB 87

Legislative bill overview

HB 87 revises how lands owned by Montana's Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Parks are taxed, modifying the state's property taxation framework for these public conservation lands. The bill has been signed into law as of May 5, 2025, and establishes new taxation provisions for department-managed properties.

Why is this important

This change affects how Montana funds local governments through property tax revenue, as public lands represent significant acreage across the state. The revision could impact county budgets, wildlife management funding, and the balance between state conservation priorities and local tax bases that depend on property tax collections.

Potential points of contention

  • County revenue impact: Changes to tax treatment of public lands may reduce property tax revenue to counties, potentially requiring those jurisdictions to find alternative revenue sources or reduce services
  • Wildlife management funding: Modifications to how conservation lands are taxed could affect the financial mechanisms available for fish and wildlife programs and habitat management
  • Precedent for other public lands: The taxation revision may establish a framework that could be applied to other state-owned properties, raising broader questions about public land taxation policy

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

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