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House Judiciary hears debate over bill clarifying 2‑year limit for real‑property damage claims
Summary
Supporters say HB 301 would clarify that property‑damage claims accrue when the injurious act is complete and preserve a two‑year statute of limitations; opponents warn the change could bar groundwater and other contamination claims that are ``self‑concealing.''
Representative Carrie Seekins Crow, sponsor of House Bill 301, told the House Judiciary Committee the bill "clarifies the statute of limitations for damage to real property" and preserves a two‑year limit to encourage prompt claims.
Supporters — including Brian Thompson of the Montana Chamber of Commerce and Adrienne Cotton of the Montana Building Industry Association — said the bill prevents successive suits by subsequent owners and reduces uncertainty for builders and insurers. "When property is damaged, the owner has a right to file a lawsuit," Thompson said in testimony explaining that the bill would make…
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