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Montana committee hears bill to clarify data‑center tax class, extend build window and require emergency grid support
Summary
Sponsor Rep. Katie Zolnikov told the House Taxation Committee HB 424 would extend the construction window for data‑center communications infrastructure, clarify what equipment qualifies for a reduced Class 17 property tax rate, and require qualified data centers to make most on‑site generation available to local grids during declared electrical emergencies.
Representative Katie Zolnikov introduced House Bill 424 to revise the state's Class 17 property tax classification for qualified data centers, extend the period for dedicated communications infrastructure from 15 to 25 years (sunset moved to 2037) and clarify which behind‑the‑meter electrical generation and storage systems count as on‑site, facility‑side assets.
Zolnikov said the bill aims to provide predictability that will help Montana attract large data‑center investments while promoting grid resiliency. "If a data center uses 80% of the energy that they are also not creating but the energy system that they have'that 80% threshold'that's what they have to meet and then if the governor declares an electrical generation emergency…
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