MontanaHB 34669th Legislature, Regular Session (2025)House

Exempt Commerce grants and loans from MEPA

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

4 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

Faster state-backed housing loans

The Department of Commerce and the Board of Housing do not need a MEPA environmental review for state-backed housing loans under this part. The same exemption covers reverse annuity mortgage loans for elderly homeowners and the veterans’ home loan program. This begins July 1, 2025, and helps speed approvals and program setup.

Faster workforce training grants

The Department of Commerce does not need a MEPA environmental review when it authorizes, runs, or creates workforce training grants under this part. This begins July 1, 2025. It can speed training programs for job seekers and workers.

Quicker small-business and industry financing

Commerce does not need a MEPA environmental review for loans for microbusiness development and for the Montana wood products industry under this part. Commerce is also exempt for grants or loans for economic development projects under this part. These changes begin July 1, 2025. They can speed approvals and access to state financing for small businesses.

Quicker tourism, film, and historic grants

Commerce, the State-Tribal Economic Development Commission, and heritage and cultural tourism commissions do not need a MEPA environmental review for grants or loans under this part for agritourism, tourism, small businesses, films, regional development, Lewis and Clark sites, and investments in historic downtowns. Commerce also does not need MEPA review for historic-preservation grants under this part. This begins July 1, 2025, and can speed funding and program work for local projects.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Paul Tuss
Democrat • House

Cosponsors

Bruce "Butch" Gillespie
Republican • Senate
Steve Fitzpatrick
Republican • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 287 • No: 8

Senate vote • 4/14/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 44 • No: 3

Senate vote • 4/12/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 46 • No: 3

House vote • 2/13/2025

Do Pass

Yes: 98 • No: 1

House vote • 2/12/2025