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Committee passes several bills in executive action; several complex amendments withdrawn
Summary
The Senate Local Government Committee approved multiple bills in executive action (including SB 213 and SB 239) and passed SB 262 after debate (9–2). Amendments on taller buildings and triplex/fourplex bills were discussed and withdrawn for further drafting.
After closing the hearing on Senate Bill 289, the Senate Local Government Committee moved into executive action and considered a slate of bills posted on the board.
Senate Bill 213 (building codes): Senator Trevis moved SB 213 and an amendment adjusting building-code language for group R-2 occupancies (single stairway serving all units under specified conditions) was presented, moved and passed by voice vote; proxies were recorded for absent senators. The committee then moved the bill as amended and passed SB 213 as amended by voice vote.
Senate Bill 239 (amicus briefs): The committee moved and passed SB 239 by voice vote. The sponsor described it as a bill that would require courts to invite amicus briefs in certain litigation.
Senate Bill 243 (taller buildings): Multiple amendments were debated, including moving the effective date to follow LUPA implementation and a proposal that would alter allowable building heights and the relationship with the Montana Land Use Planning Act (LUPA). Committee members expressed concern about moving implementation deadlines for cities undergoing LUPA compliance; one sponsor withdrew his motion and the matter was left for further drafting and future consideration.
Senate Bill 262 (exempt subdivision review): Vice Chair Beard moved a do-pass on SB 262, which would exempt some subdivision applications from certain review processes. Senators debated implications for environmental review statutes (MEPA) and local planning; opponents asked for caution. The committee held a roll-call vote and SB 262 passed out of committee 9–2 (recorded votes included several senators explaining 'soft no' positions or support for housing measures while expressing process concerns).
Senate Bill 266 (triplex/fourplex): An amendment that would remove LUPA requirements from the proposal was discussed; sponsors and opponents agreed to withdraw motions to allow drafting of a clarifying amendment and to revisit the issue later.
The committee left several matters—particularly the LUPA-related amendments—open for additional drafting and scheduled future executive action where needed. Proxy votes were recorded in multiple voice votes, and one roll-call vote produced a recorded 9–2 result on SB 262.
Votes at a glance: SB 213 (passed as amended, voice vote); SB 239 (passed, voice vote); SB 262 (passed, roll-call 9–2); SB 243 and SB 266 (amendments or motions withdrawn for further drafting).
