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Sponsor proposes $400 "Plan C" property tax rebate as fallback if broader tax changes fail
Summary
Sen. Wiley Galt introduced a $400 property tax rebate described as "Plan C" — a fallback option should larger property tax changes not advance. City of Billings and Montana Taxpayers Association offered support; Department of Revenue staff described using the same attestation process used for prior rebate cycles.
Sen. Wiley Galt (Central Montana) opened the hearing on a proposed $400 property tax rebate she referred to as "Plan C," saying it mirrors rebates used in previous sessions and is intended as a fallback if more comprehensive property-tax reform does not move forward.
Jessica Fust, representing the City of Billings, told the committee Billings supports the Senate bill and prefers the rebate to certain House proposals that, she said, could harm the city's charter mill cap. "The city of Billings supports senate bill 4 34 and encourages a due pass," Fust said.
Bob Story of the Montana Taxpayers Association said the rebate is another tool to address property tax pressure. Department of Revenue witnesses Derek Bell and Dylan Cole described administrative implementation: Bell said the department would use the same attestation process implemented under the prior rebate cycle (House Bill 222), in which applicants attest they occupied a primary residence for at least seven months on a department-prescribed form.
Committee members asked logistical questions: Sen. Beard asked why the sponsor had not signed the fiscal note; Galt said she ran out of time. Members also asked whether previously qualified applicants could receive the rebate again; Galt responded yes, subject to timing. The sponsor closed by saying she hoped a more substantive property-tax bill would prevail on the other side of the legislature but that this rebate should be available if needed.
At executive action later in the session the committee recorded a voice vote and moved the rebate ("Plan C") forward to the floor.
