MontanaSB 22869th Legislature, Regular Session (2025)SenateWALLET

Revise laws related to public charging stations for electric vehicles

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

9 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 5 costs, 2 mixed.

Charging tax money goes to highways

Starting July 1, 2025, money from the public charging-station tax goes into Montana’s highway restricted account. This supports state highway and transportation uses.

Separate meter required at public chargers

Beginning July 1, 2025, every public charging station must have a separate meter installed or approved by the utility. Owners must pay for the meter and make sure it measures all electricity to the station. Following these meter rules is the owner’s job, not the utility’s.

Public chargers must post prices

Beginning July 1, 2025, public charging stations must show the price for electricity or time at the site. Drivers can see the rate before they plug in.

New tax on public EV charging

Beginning July 1, 2025, electricity sold at public charging stations has a 3¢ per kWh state tax. It is measured at the utility meter and added on top of the normal rate. Expect higher prices when you use public fast chargers.

Planned EV registration fee cut canceled

Effective July 1, 2025, the state cancels a planned 30% cut to the extra EV registration fee that was set for July 1, 2028. EV owners do not get that 30% fee reduction.

Register chargers with DOT in 30 days

Beginning July 1, 2025, owners must register each public charging station with the Montana Department of Transportation within 30 days after first operation. You must provide owner contact information, the site address, and the station’s rated kilowatts.

Utilities must bill and send EV tax

Beginning July 1, 2025, utilities bill the 3¢ per kWh tax to charging-station owners on monthly invoices. Utilities may create a separate customer class and must include the tax on the bill. Utilities send 2.75¢ per kWh to DOT each quarter and keep 0.25¢ per kWh for collection costs. The tax amounts are not reviewed by the Public Service Commission.

Who counts as a public charging station

Beginning July 1, 2025, the law sets who counts as a public charging station. It covers equipment rated over 25 kW that is not at a home or owned by a homeowners association. It also defines who is the station owner and operator. These definitions decide who must register, meter, and pay the tax.

DOT sets rules for charging program

Starting July 1, 2025, the Montana Department of Transportation adopts rules to run charging-station registration, tax collection, and reporting. This creates a uniform, statewide process. It also sets compliance steps that owners and utilities must follow.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Denley Loge
Republican • Senate

Cosponsors

John Fitzpatrick
Republican • House
Josh Kassmier
Republican • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 313 • No: 85

House vote • 3/28/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 90 • No: 9

House vote • 3/27/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 89 • No: 11

House vote • 3/27/2025

AMD-SB0228.002.002 Reavis DO PASS

Yes: 39 • No: 61

Senate vote • 2/25/2025

Do Pass

Yes: 46 • No: 3

Senate vote • 2/24/2025