2025 Legislative Session
The 69th Session of the Montana Legislature adjourned sine die April 30, 2025 on Day 85. While we didn't have a lead bill this session, there were some good outcomes for our industry.
A few of our victories:
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Repealed retail rate regulation and ensured that the PSC will not be in the business of regulating broadband internet service (
HB 45).
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Added broadband lines to the list of critical infrastructure that has enhanced protections against vandalism (
HB 257).
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Clarified that bonding for broadband may be used only to support unserved/underserved locations (
HB 650).
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Kicked off an all-stakeholder rulemaking to make the highway utility relocation process more predictable (
HB 672).
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Prevented legislation that would have raised property taxes on member companies by 20%-40% (
HB 528).
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Prevented pole attachment legislation that would have complicated key relationships between broadband and energy providers (
HB 695).
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E-verify is optional, instead of mandatory (
SB 329,
HB 226).
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Stopped a bill that would have risked the long-term viability of the MDT's highway utility relocation reimbursement program (
SB 432).
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Providers that serve in three or fewer counties are no longer centrally assessed (
SB 550).
Unfinished business:
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Protect utility workers against assault (
HB 452).
Setbacks:
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Class 5 and Class 13 property taxes will increase by approximately 10%, depending on the counties in which you serve (
HB 231,
SB 542). In the legislature's search for residential property tax relief, a significant shift to businesses became inevitable. Our charge going forward is to use this experience as a springboard for the business community to advocate for meaningful reform that actually delivers cuts instead of shifting the same burden to other property classes.
