Bill > SB152

This bill proposes a constitutional amendment to modify investment restrictions for Montana's coal severance tax trust fund by allowing up to 25 percent of the fund to be invested in private corporate stock, which is currently prohibited. The proposed change would expand the investment options for this specific trust fund, similar to existing provisions that already allow public retirement system and state compensation insurance fund assets to be invested in corporate stocks. The amendment requires a two-thirds vote by the legislature to pass and will be submitted to Montana voters for approval at the November 2026 general election. If approved by voters, the constitutional amendment would give the state more flexibility in managing the coal severance tax trust fund's investments, potentially allowing for higher returns by enabling investment in private corporate stocks while still maintaining a conservative limit of 25 percent of the fund's total assets. This change reflects a broader trend of allowing public funds more investment latitude to potentially improve financial performance.

Budget and Finance

https://bills.legmt.gov/#/laws/bill/2/LC4156