Bill > HB756

This bill revises the criteria for awarding historic preservation grants in Montana, expanding and clarifying the considerations the Department of Commerce will use when recommending grants. The bill modifies existing law to include more specific evaluation criteria, such as protecting the building envelope (walls, roof, doors, windows, and foundation) and internal utility systems. The grant recommendations will now also consider factors like economic stimulus, job creation for Montana contractors, project purpose (including security and infrastructure improvements), project timing, historic value, organizational experience, local contribution, and anticipated public benefit. A new provision requires for-profit entities to provide a dollar-for-dollar match for grant funding. The bill also clarifies that government applicants must comply with specific constitutional and statutory requirements, while nongovernment applicants are exempt from these provisions. The overall goal is to create a more comprehensive and transparent process for awarding historic preservation grants that balances protecting historic sites with generating economic and community benefits.

Budget and Finance

https://bills.legmt.gov/#/laws/bill/2/LC2596