Bill > HB863

This bill makes several changes to Montana's state finance laws and government operations. It requires the Board of Investments to perform its duties in a restricted enterprise fund type and mandates more frequent budget reporting to various legislative committees. The bill allows the Department of Revenue to waive interest on underpaid estimated taxes for the 2024 tax year under specific conditions. It allocates $250,000 from accommodations tax proceeds to support historical projects at Reeder's Alley in Helena and Grace Methodist Church in Virginia City. The legislation also directs the Office of Budget and Program Planning to conduct two significant studies: one examining the structure and operations of executive agencies, including state-owned healthcare facilities, and another analyzing market wages and actual wages of executive branch employees. The bill includes appropriations totaling over $25 million for various purposes and creates a contingent appropriation of $280,000 for a potential special legislative session. Additionally, the bill encourages the governor to call a special session if certain federal actions significantly impact Montana's economy, such as substantial reductions in federal revenues or a national recession. The bill also requires the legislative audit division to move to a new location by June 30, 2025, and includes technical amendments to several existing statutes related to state finances and taxation.