Bill > HB379

This bill revises laws related to state land leases for commercial purposes and land sales, making several key changes to streamline and simplify the process. The bill modifies the definition of "commercial purpose" to include more flexible language around property development, allows for more individualized agreements between lessees and the state department, and eliminates strict auction requirements for land sales. Specifically, the bill changes how state lands are sold by replacing mandatory public auctions with a more flexible "public sale" approach, giving the department more discretion in how sales are advertised and conducted. The legislation also updates provisions around lease improvements, allowing more negotiation between the department and lessees about infrastructure and permanent improvements. The bill provides lessees with more options, such as the ability to waive their preference rights in land sales and negotiate terms more freely. Additionally, the bill repeals several existing sections of code related to land sale certificates and payment procedures, further simplifying the regulatory framework. These changes aim to make state land leasing and sales more efficient and adaptable to current market conditions while maintaining protections for state interests.

Government Affairs

https://bills.legmt.gov/#/laws/bill/2/LC2589