MontanaSB 14369th Legislature, Regular Session (2025)SenateWALLET

Generally revise civil liability laws relating to statutes of limitations for certain actions

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

Shorter deadlines to sue on contracts

The law sets new time limits to sue on contracts. For written contracts, you must file within 6 years. This written-contract rule applies to lawsuits filed on or after October 1, 2025. For contracts not in writing, you must file within 5 years. For other obligations not based on a contract and not in writing, you must file within 3 years. These rules shorten time for plaintiffs and shorten exposure for defendants.

Shorter window for construction defect claims

You usually must sue within 6 years after an improvement or land surveying is finished. If the injury happens in the sixth year, you have 1 more year from the injury to file. Finished means when the owner can use the improvement or when a completion certificate is signed, whichever comes first. This does not govern claims based on a written contract and does not change the duty of the current owner or tenant when the right to sue arises. The change shortens time to bring claims but reduces long-term risk for builders and surveyors.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Greg Hertz
Republican • Senate

Cosponsors

Steve Fitzpatrick
Republican • House
Tracy Sharp
Republican • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 205 • No: 90

Senate vote • 3/28/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 58 • No: 41

Senate vote • 3/27/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 58 • No: 41

Senate vote • 2/7/2025

Do Pass

Yes: 47 • No: 2

Senate vote • 2/6/2025