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Bill

SB 363

Revising the definition of a tourist home

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Daniel Zolnikov

SB 363 expands Montana's "tourist home" definition to allow more properties to operate as short-term rentals, affecting housing markets and local zoning control.

(H) Died in Standing Committee
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Bill Summary · SB 363

Legislative bill overview

SB 363 proposes to revise Montana's legal definition of a "tourist home" to expand what types of short-term rental properties qualify under this classification. The bill was introduced by Senator Daniel Zolnikov and aimed to clarify or broaden the criteria that distinguish tourist homes from other residential properties for regulatory and zoning purposes.

Why is this important

Definitional changes to "tourist home" directly affect which properties can operate as short-term rentals, influencing local housing markets, property tax assessments, zoning compliance, and the ability of property owners to generate rental income. This distinction impacts community character, housing availability for long-term residents, and municipal revenue and enforcement capacity.

Potential points of contention

  • Housing availability concerns: Expanding tourist home definitions could increase short-term rentals, potentially reducing long-term rental stock and affordability in tight housing markets
  • Local control vs. state preemption: Cities and counties may prefer their own rental definitions rather than state-mandated standards that override local ordinances
  • Property tax implications: Broadened definitions could affect how properties are classified and taxed, impacting municipal budgets and assessments for neighboring properties

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

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