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Montana committee hears bill to add Native American and veteran seats on Board of Housing
Summary
Sen. Susan Webber sponsored SB 219 to require at least one Native American and one veteran seat on the Montana Board of Housing. Proponents emphasized disproportionate homelessness and barriers to homeownership; staff described existing programs and appointment logistics. The committee took no formal vote at the hearing.
Helena — Sen. Susan Webber, sponsor of Senate Bill 219 and a member of the Blackfeet Nation, told the Senate Business, Labor and Economic Affairs Committee on Feb. 4 that the bill “is requesting a seat at the table for a Native American and a veteran on the Board of Housing.”
Why it matters: proponents and witnesses said Native Americans and veterans face higher rates of homelessness and barriers to homeownership in Montana, and that guaranteed representation on the board would bring lived experience and targeted perspective to statewide housing policy.
Webber opened the hearing by telling the committee that while the Department of Commerce had temporarily appointed a Native American member, that appointment will expire and there is currently no veteran on the board. She asked the committee for a “do pass” recommendation for SB 219.
Several proponent witnesses described the disparities they see. Lats Fourstar submitted a written letter from the Montana American Indian Caucus and told…
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