Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Property Tax Freeze topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Sponsor presents property‑valuation freeze proposal (SB 542); opponents say it’s too broad
Summary
Sen. Wiley Galt described SB 542 as a two‑year property‑valuation freeze intended to limit recent reappraisal increases; opponents including Montana Budget and Policy Center and Montana Federation of Public Employees said the measure would shift tax burdens and is not the targeted relief the legislature should pursue.
Senator Wiley Galt opened discussion of Senate Bill 542, describing the measure as a property‑valuation freeze (his “plan D”) intended to hold valuations after the most recent reappraisal to mitigate sharp tax increases.
Galt said the bill is part of a menu of property‑tax relief proposals under consideration this session. Opponents argued the proposal would freeze values across all property classes rather than targeting homeowners on fixed incomes or other vulnerable groups. Rose Bender of the Montana Budget and Policy Center urged targeted relief instead, saying an across‑the‑board freeze would create state revenue loss and shift taxes to other property taxpayers.
Amanda Curtis, president of the Montana Federation of Public Employees, registered brief opposition, saying she appreciated the sponsor raising the issue but echoed the view that the bill was not the cleanest or best solution for property tax relief. Bryce Kotz, bureau chief with the Property Assessment Division, provided information to the committee on valuation mechanics and reappraisal timing.
Committee members asked Galt whether a freeze should apply to all classes or be targeted; Galt said singling out residential property would have caused stronger opposition and that he brought the measure to spur discussion. The committee did not take further action on SB 542 in the portion of the transcript provided.
