MontanaHB 87269th Legislature, Regular Session (2025)House

Revise licensing laws

Sponsored By: Steve Fitzpatrick (Republican)

Signed by Governor

Economic DevelopmentAppropriationsProfessions and Occupations Generally

Personalized for You

How does this bill affect your finances?

Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this bill means for your household, plus every other piece of legislation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.

Free to download

Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.

Faster cheaper value estimates for loans

Beginning July 1, 2025, the law defines a new "evaluation" as a value estimate a lender can use when a full appraisal is not required by federal rules. Lenders and buyers can use evaluations instead of full appraisals in those cases, which can speed up deals and lower costs. People who are not licensed appraisers may give a market value opinion, but they cannot claim to be licensed or certified appraisers.

One-time $1,000 to implement changes

The law gives a one-time $1,000 from the state general fund to the Department of Labor and Industry for the fiscal year starting July 1, 2025. The money helps the department put the new appraisal rules in place.

Rules for appraisers doing evaluations

Beginning July 1, 2025, licensed or certified appraisers may provide an evaluation in transactions allowed by federal guidance. That evaluation does not have to follow USPAP. The evaluation cannot say the provider is licensed or certified, and the first page must state: "This is an evaluation not subject to compliance with the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice." This gives appraisers a simpler product to offer but limits how they present their credentials in that product.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Steve Fitzpatrick
Republican • House

Cosponsors

Bruce "Butch" Gillespie
Republican • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 293 • No: 4

Senate vote • 4/18/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 49 • No: 1

Senate vote • 4/17/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 49 • No: 1

House vote • 4/8/2025

Do Pass

Yes: 95 • No: 2

House vote • 4/7/2025