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Committee hears HB 265 to let districts apply full inflationary increases to previously voted overbase budgets
Summary
Sponsor Luke Miskiewicz told the committee HB 265 would allow school districts that previously adopted an overbase (voted levy) to apply the legislature’s inflationary adjustment to that overbase without holding a new election; proponents cited inflation pressures and the growing 95‑mills revenue as ways to offset local property tax impacts, while opponents warned about removing voter approval.
Representative Luke Miskiewicz opened the hearing on House Bill 265, saying Montana law currently provides an inflationary adjustment to school budgets but districts that have adopted a 'max' budget receive only 80% of that adjustment unless they hold a subsequent voted levy. HB 265 would allow districts that have already adopted an overbase budget to have the full inflationary increase apply to their overbase without conducting another election. The sponsor offered an amendment that would use growth in revenue from the 95‑mills (SEPTA) account to reduce…
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