Bill > HB346

This bill exempts various Department of Commerce grant and loan programs from environmental review under the Montana Environmental Policy Act (MEPA). Specifically, the bill creates exemptions for programs related to microbusiness development, historic preservation, workforce training, agritourism, heritage and cultural tourism, business investments in historic downtown areas, Montana-based films, regional development corporations, Lewis and Clark expedition sites, small businesses, tourism, economic development projects, Montana wood products industry, housing financing, reverse annuity mortgage loans for elderly citizens, and veterans' home loan mortgages. These exemptions mean that when the Department of Commerce or related entities (such as the board of housing or state-tribal economic development commission) authorize, administer, or create these specific loan and grant programs, they will not be required to undergo the environmental review process outlined in Title 75, chapter 1, parts 1 and 2 of Montana law. The bill is set to become effective on July 1, 2025, and requires the secretary of state to send a copy of the act to each federally recognized tribal government in Montana. Each section of the bill is intended to be codified within its respective relevant title and chapter of Montana law.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://bills.legmt.gov/#/laws/bill/2/LC0220