Bill > HB301

This bill amends Montana's statutes of limitations (legal time limits for filing lawsuits) specifically related to real property injury claims. The bill clarifies when a claim for property injury technically "arises" by establishing two key conditions: (1) the conduct causing the injury is complete, even if the injury continues, and (2) the property owner knows or should reasonably know about the injury. The legislation specifies that the period for filing a lawsuit begins when a claim accrues, and lack of knowledge about the claim does not automatically extend the time limit. The bill also maintains existing provisions that pause the limitation period if the facts of an injury are deliberately concealed or if the defendant has taken actions to prevent discovery of the injury. Importantly, the bill stipulates that if a property injury claim is not brought within the legal time limit, the claim is permanently barred not just for the current property owner, but for all subsequent owners of the property. This change aims to provide more clarity and predictability in how and when property injury claims can be legally pursued.

Justice

https://bills.legmt.gov/#/laws/bill/2/LC2130