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Bill to cap county tax growth for school funding draws sharp warnings from school boards
Summary
Senate Bill 102 would limit growth in county‑collected property tax revenue for basic school funding to prior year plus 3%; proponents described it as a check on 'bill shock' from reappraisals, while school‑funding advocates warned of a projected $40–$43 million shortfall beginning in FY 2028.
Senator Becky Beard opened a hearing on Senate Bill 102, which would cap the levy calculated by the Department of Revenue so it may not generate more property tax revenue for certain school funding and vo‑tech accounts than the prior year plus 3%. "Our voters in the state have been clamoring to impress upon us that they need a reduction in their property tax bills," Beard said in her introduction.
Proponents argued the measure reduces volatility from reappraisals and prevents sudden ‘bill shock’ for taxpayers. Bob Story of the Montana Taxpayers Association presented historical…
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