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Bill clarifies two‑year reappraisal cycle for locally assessed property
Summary
House Bill 90 would amend statute to explicitly state locally assessed real property is on a two‑year reappraisal cycle; department and industry witnesses said the change codifies current practice and reduces disputes.
House Taxation Committee members heard that House Bill 90 simply codifies the Department of Revenue's existing practice of valuing locally assessed real property on a two‑year reappraisal cycle.
Representative Russ Minor introduced the bill on behalf of the Department of Revenue, explaining it "would amend 15‑7‑111 MCA to clarify that all locally assessed real property is valued on a 2 year reappraisal cycle." Paula Gilbert, administrator of the Property Assessment Division, said the department has long used a two‑year cycle for class 4 residential, commercial and industrial property; the bill makes that explicit in statute.
Supporters including the Montana Taxpayers Association and industry witnesses said the clarification provides certainty, reduces compliance costs and minimizes disputes. Krista Lee Evans of Calumet and Montana Renewables said the bill "provides certainty into our assessed values" and that businesses seek predictability in assessment cycles. John Allen, the department's lead industrial appraiser, was introduced as an informational witness and made himself available for technical questions.
The sponsor asked the committee to forward HB90 to the House floor; the hearing closed without a committee vote recorded in the hearing portion.
