Bill > SB534

This bill provides a property tax exemption for wireless infrastructure, similar to an existing exemption for fiber optic and coaxial cable. Specifically, the bill defines wireless infrastructure as signal transmission facilities and associated network equipment like power equipment, cables, lines, radios, antennas, transceivers, shelters, and towers. Under the new law, wireless infrastructure placed in service on or after July 1, 2025, will be exempt from property taxation for the first 5 years, with the exemption then phasing out by 20% each year until the property is fully taxed after 10 years. To maintain the tax exemption, the infrastructure owner must reinvest the tax savings by installing new wireless infrastructure in Montana within two years, with the reinvestment cost being equal to or greater than the tax savings. The bill requires owners to maintain records of their investments and allows local governing bodies to recapture previously exempted taxes if the reinvestment requirements are not met. The legislation aims to encourage investment in wireless communication infrastructure by providing a financial incentive through temporary property tax relief.