Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Municipal Authority topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Bill Would Let Cities Regulate Camping and Storage on Municipal Property; League of Cities Supports Voluntary Option
Summary
House Bill 208 would allow municipalities to pass ordinances regulating storage of personal property, sleeping or camping on municipal real property. The League of Cities and Towns backed the voluntary measure as a local tool; proponents framed it as an optional public‑safety/policy tool and the sponsor pointed to an implementing companion bill addressing enforcement.
Representative Greg Overstreet introduced HB 208 as a voluntary tool for municipalities to regulate storage of personal property and camping or sleeping on municipal real property. He said the idea was prompted by a U.S. Supreme Court decision (referred to in testimony as the "Medford" decision) that recognized municipal authority to control their property.
Jennifer Olson, Government Affairs Director for the Montana League of Cities and Towns, testified in support, saying the bill lets municipalities address urban camping and storage issues with local engagement and is designed to be optional for cities and towns. Brad Longcake representing the city of Billings also supported the bill as a public‑safety measure and urged passage.
Senators asked about enforcement and remedies if a municipality adopts an ordinance but fails to enforce it. Representative Overstreet said a companion bill (HB 618) would classify violations as public nuisances and provide abatement authority and a private right of action for injunctions.
Representative Overstreet closed and the committee ended the hearing with no executive action taken that day.
