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MontanaHB 85369th Legislature, Regular Session (2025)HouseWALLET

Revise fees for licensed establishments

Sponsored By: George Nikolakakos (Republican)

Became Law

Corporations/Partnerships/AssociationsRevenue, State

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

6 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 4 costs, 1 mixed.

New fees and rules for food businesses

Retail food licenses now cost per location: $150 for small, $225 for medium, and $275 for large sites. Small mobile units pay $150; large mobile units pay $225. Local governments cannot add inspection fees unless a violation is not fixed after two inspections. Permit fees for temporary food booths cannot be higher than the matching retail fee. Selling whole shell eggs at farmers’ markets is fee‑free if eggs are clean, in labeled clean cartons, and kept at the department’s required temperature. The law updates definitions (like medium = 3 to 9 peak‑hour employees and mobile), which decide which fee applies.

Where license fee money now goes

The law sets how agencies split license fees. Retail food fees: 90% to the local board inspection fund, 5% to the state general fund, and 5% to a designated account. Lodging and campground fees: 85% to the local board inspection fund, 11.25% to the general fund, and 3.75% to a designated account. Pool fees: if local boards do inspections, 85% goes to the local fund and 15% plus all late fees go to the department; if the department inspects, it keeps all fees and late fees. Fees under 50-57-205: 90% to the local board inspection fund, 5% to the general fund, 5% to the 50-57-213 account, and all late fees to that account.

Higher annual license for certain establishments

The annual license fee under 50-57-205 is now $225 per license, up from $115. A $25 late fee applies when you renew after the deadline.

Higher lodging license fees by room count

Lodging licenses now cost by room count. Up to 10 rooms: $100 per year. 11 to 25 rooms: $175 per year. More than 25 rooms: $250 per year. Fees apply to new licenses and renewals.

New pool and spa fees and definitions

Public swimming pools now pay $225 per year if seasonal and $325 if year‑round. Spas or wading pools (4,000 gallons or less) pay $100 if seasonal and $150 if year‑round. Late renewals cost $25 for each calendar month overdue. The law says public pools include lazy rivers and wave pools and defines seasonal as 6 months or less.

Higher campground and trailer court fees

Campground and trailer court license fees now depend on rental spaces. Up to 10 spaces: $80 per year. 11 to 25 spaces: $150 per year. More than 25 spaces: $225 per year. Pay the fee with each new license or renewal.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • George Nikolakakos

    Republican • House

Cosponsors

  • Josh Kassmier

    Republican • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 453 • No: 135

House vote • 4/30/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 86 • No: 14

House vote • 4/29/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 93 • No: 4

House vote • 4/24/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 29 • No: 21

House vote • 4/23/2025

Place on Third Reading-Kassmier

Yes: 29 • No: 21

House vote • 4/18/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 27 • No: 21

House vote • 4/18/2025

AMD-HB0853.001.002 Trebas D/PASS

Yes: 24 • No: 24

House vote • 4/5/2025

Do Pass

Yes: 85 • No: 13

House vote • 4/4/2025

Do Pass

Yes: 80 • No: 17

Actions Timeline

  1. Chapter Number Assigned

    5/19/2025House

  2. Signed by Governor

    5/13/2025House

  3. Transmitted to Governor

    5/7/2025House

  4. Signed by President

    5/6/2025Senate

  5. Signed by Speaker

    5/5/2025House

  6. Returned from Enrolling

    5/1/2025House

  7. Sent to Enrolling

    4/30/2025House

  8. 3rd Reading Passed as Amended by Senate

    4/30/2025House

  9. 2nd Reading Senate Amendments Concurred

    4/29/2025House

  10. Returned to House with Amendments

    4/24/2025Senate

  11. 3rd Reading Concurred

    4/24/2025Senate

  12. Motion Carried

    4/23/2025Senate

  13. Rereferred to Committee

    4/18/2025Senate

  14. 2nd Reading Concurred

    4/18/2025Senate

  15. 2nd Reading Motion to Amend Failed

    4/18/2025Senate

  16. Committee Report--Bill Concurred as Amended

    4/16/2025Senate

  17. Committee Executive Action--Bill Concurred as Amended

    4/16/2025Senate

  18. Tabled in Committee

    4/15/2025Senate

  19. Hearing

    4/11/2025Senate

  20. Referred to Committee

    4/7/2025Senate

  21. First Reading

    4/7/2025Senate

  22. Transmitted to Senate

    4/5/2025House

  23. 3rd Reading Passed

    4/5/2025House

  24. 2nd Reading Passed

    4/4/2025House

  25. Committee Report--Bill Passed

    4/3/2025House

Bill Text

  • Enrolled

    4/30/2025

    PDF

  • As Amended (Version 2)

    4/16/2025

    PDF

  • Introduced

    3/21/2025

    PDF

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