MontanaSB 169th Legislature, Regular Session (2025)Senate

Revise definition of "blighted area"

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

Tax-increment financing for blighted areas

The law directs tax‑increment financing to help redevelop blighted areas. Local governments can use future growth in property taxes from these areas to pay for approved projects. This supports planning and financing in places that meet the blight rules.

Stricter rules for taking property

The law tightens when cities can take property for urban renewal. Condemnation is a public use only if the area has dangerous buildings, tax or special‑assessment debt higher than the property’s value, or too many vacant buildings. Cities cannot use eminent domain just to raise tax revenue.

Clearer test to label areas blighted

The law changes what counts as a blighted area. An area qualifies when at least three problems exist, such as dangerous buildings, major disrepair, broken streets or sidewalks, weak or missing utilities, heavy tax debt above property value, many empty buildings, or sites needing DEQ or EPA cleanup. Before using urban renewal tools, a city must pass a resolution finding at least three factors and stating that rehab or redevelopment is needed for public health, safety, or welfare.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Greg Hertz
Republican • Senate

Cosponsors

Larry Brewster
Republican • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 298 • No: 0

House vote • 3/18/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 98 • No: 0

House vote • 3/17/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 100 • No: 0

Senate vote • 1/28/2025

Do Pass

Yes: 50 • No: 0

Senate vote • 1/27/2025