HOUSE BILL NO. 540

INTRODUCED BY L. GRINDE, D. ADAMS, J. ANDERSEN, S. ANDERSON, J. BARNETT, T. BECK,

D. BERRY, A. BISHOP, J. BOHLINGER, R. CLARK, B. CRIPPEN, W. CRISMORE, R. DALE, B. DAVIES, G. DEVLIN, S. FISHER, D. FUCHS, D. GRIMES, L. GROSFIELD, D. HAINES, M. HANSON,

D. HARGROVE, J. HARP, D. HEDGES, C. HIBBARD, V. JACKSON, B. KASTEN, B. LAWSON,

R. LENHART, D. MAHLUM, J. MANGAN, G. MASOLO, D. MCGEE, J. MCKENNEY, J. MERCER,

K. MESAROS, D. MOOD, M. NOENNIG, K. OHS, B. REHBEIN, S. ROSE, B. SIMON, P. SLITER,

R. SOMERVILLE, J. STOVALL, B. TASH, L. TAYLOR, M. TAYLOR, F. THOMAS,

C. YOUNKIN, T. ZOOK

A BILL FOR AN ACT ENTITLED: "AN ACT REVISING THE TAXATION OF CERTAIN VEHICLES; REPLACING THE CURRENT SYSTEM OF TAXATION OF AUTOMOBILES, VANS, SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, AND LIGHT TRUCKS WITH A REGISTRATION FEE ON LIGHT VEHICLES; ALLOWING THE OWNER OF A LIGHT VEHICLE TO REGISTER THE VEHICLE FOR A 24-MONTH PERIOD; ALLOWING VEHICLES, INCLUDING MOTORCYCLES AND QUADRICYCLES, 11 YEARS OLD AND OLDER TO BE PERMANENTLY REGISTERED; REVISING THE FEE IN LIEU OF TAX ON MOTORCYCLES AND QUADRICYCLES; PROVIDING FOR DISTRIBUTION OF THE REGISTRATION FEE; REPEALING THE SALES TAX ON NEW MOTOR VEHICLES; ALLOWING A COUNTY TO IMPOSE A LOCAL OPTION FEE ON MOTOR VEHICLES WITH VOTER APPROVAL; PROVIDING THAT THE PROPOSED ACT BE SUBMITTED TO THE QUALIFIED ELECTORS OF MONTANA; AMENDING SECTIONS 7-1-2111, 15-6-201, 15-6-215, 15-8-202, 15-24-301, 15-24-302, 15-30-121, 15-50-207, 15-70-101, 15-70-125, 20-9-141, 20-9-331, 20-9-333, 20-9-360, 20-9-501, 20-10-144, 20-10-146, 27-1-306, 61-3-101, 61-3-301, 61-3-303, 61-3-314, 61-3-315, 61-3-316, 61-3-317, 61-3-332, 61-3-431, 61-3-456, 61-3-503, 61-3-506, 61-3-509, 61-3-520, 61-3-527, 61-3-537, 61-3-701, 61-3-707, 61-3-736, 61-3-737, 61-3-738, 61-4-112, AND 61-10-231, MCA; REPEALING SECTIONS 61-3-502, 61-3-504, AND 61-3-605, MCA; AND PROVIDING EFFECTIVE DATES AND AN APPLICABILITY DATE."

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MONTANA:

NEW SECTION. Section 1. Light vehicle registration fee -- exemptions -- 24-month registration. (1) Except as provided in subsection (2), there is a registration fee imposed on light vehicles. The registration fee is in addition to other annual registration fees.

(2) (a) Light vehicles that meet the description of property exempt from taxation under 15-6-201(1)(a), (1)(c) through (1)(e), (1)(g), (1)(m), (1)(o), (1)(q), or (1)(w), 15-6-203, or 15-6-215, except as provided in 61-3-520, are exempt from the fee imposed in subsection (1).

(b) A motor vehicle owned by a disabled veteran qualifying for special license plates under 61-3-332(10) or a motor vehicle registered under 61-3-456 is exempt from the fee imposed by this section.

(c) A dealer for light vehicles is not required to pay the registration fee for light vehicles that constitute inventory of the dealership and that are reported under 61-3-501.

(3) The owner of a motor vehicle subject to the provisions of 61-3-313 through 61-3-316 may register the light vehicle for a period not to exceed 24 months. The application for registration or reregistration must be accompanied by the registration fee and all other fees required in this chapter for each 12-month period of the 24-month period. however, the registration fees required under 61-3-321 (1)(a) or (1)(b) paid at the time of registration or reregistration apply for the entire 24-month registration period.

NEW SECTION. Section 2. Schedule of fees for light vehicles -- limitation on fee -- payment of fee required for operation. (1) The following schedule, based on vehicle age, is used to determine the annual registration fee imposed by [section 1]:

Vehicle Age (in years)	Annual Fee

4 or less	$195

5-10	65

11 or more	6

(2) A light vehicle subject to the registration fee imposed by [section 1] may not be operated unless the fee has been paid and the vehicle is licensed. A lien for fees due on the vehicle occurs on the anniversary date of the registration and continues until the fees have been paid.

(3) For the purposes of this section, "vehicle age" means the age of the vehicle determined by subtracting the manufacturer's model year of the vehicle from the calendar year for which the registration fee is due.

NEW SECTION. Section 3. Permanent registration -- transfer of vehicle ownership -- rules. (1) (a) The owner of a light vehicle 11 years old or older subject to the registration fee , as provided in [section 2], may permanently register the vehicle upon payment of a $50 registration fee , the applicable registration and license fees under 61-3-321, and an amount equal to five times the applicable fees imposed for each of the following:

(i) junk vehicle disposal fees under 61-3-508;

(ii) weed control fees under 61-3-510;

(iii) county motor vehicle computer fees under 61-3-511;

(iv) the local option vehicle tax or flat fee on vehicles under 61-3-537;

(v) if applicable, license plate fees under 61-3-332 and renewal fees for personalized plates under 61-3-406;

(vi) if applicable, the amateur radio operator license plate fee under 61-3-422; and

(vii) if applicable, the annual scholarship donation fee under 61-3-465.

(b) A person who permanently registers a vehicle as provided in subsection (1)(a) shall pay an additional $2 fee at the time of registration for deposit in the state general fund. The department shall pay from the general fund an amount equal to the $2 fee collected under this subsection (1)(b) from each motor vehicle registration to the pension trust fund for payment of supplemental benefits provided for in 19-6-709.

(2) In addition to the fees described in subsection (1), an owner of a truck with a manufacturer's rated capacity of 1 ton or less that is permanently registered shall pay five times the applicable fees imposed under 61-10-201.

(3) The owner of a vehicle that is permanently registered under this section is not subject to additional fees under [section 2] or to other motor vehicle registration fees described in this section for as long as the owner owns the vehicle.

(4) The county treasurer shall:

(a) disburse the $50 registration fee collected under this section as provided in 61-3-509;

(b) once each month, remit to the state treasurer the amounts collected under this section for the purposes of 61-3-121(5), 61-3-508, 61-3-510, 61-3-511, and 61-10-201.

(5) (a) The permanent registration of a vehicle allowed by this section may not be transferred to a new owner. If the vehicle is transferred to a new owner, the department shall cancel the vehicle's permanent registration.

(b) Upon transfer of a vehicle registered under this section to a new owner, the new owner shall apply for a certificate of ownership under 61-3-201 and file an application for registration under 61-3-303.

Section 4. Section 7-1-2111, MCA, is amended to read:

"7-1-2111. Classification of counties. (1) For the purpose of regulating the compensation and salaries of all county officers, not otherwise provided for, and for fixing the penalties of officers' bonds, the counties of this state must be classified according to the taxable valuation of the property in the counties upon which the tax levy is made as follows:

(a) first class--all counties having a taxable valuation of $50 million or more;

(b) second class--all counties having a taxable valuation of $30 million or more and less than $50 million;

(c) third class--all counties having a taxable valuation of $20 million or more and less than $30 million;

(d) fourth class--all counties having a taxable valuation of $15 million or more and less than $20 million;

(e) fifth class--all counties having a taxable valuation of $10 million or more and less than $15 million;

(f) sixth class--all counties having a taxable valuation of $5 million or more and less than $10 million;

(g) seventh class--all counties having a taxable valuation of less than $5 million.

(2) As used in this section, "taxable valuation" means the taxable value of taxable property in the county as of the time of determination plus:

(a) that portion of the taxable value of the county on December 31, 1981, attributable to automobiles and trucks having a rated capacity of three-quarters of a ton or less;

(b) that portion of the taxable value of the county on December 31, 1989, attributable to automobiles and trucks having a manufacturer's rated capacity of more than three-quarters of a ton but less than or equal to 1 ton;

(c) that portion of the taxable value of the county on December 31, 1997, attributable to buses, trucks having a manufacturer's rated capacity of more than 1 ton, and truck tractors;

(d) that portion of the taxable value of the county on December 31, 1997, attributable to trailers, pole trailers, and semitrailers with a declared weight of less than 26,000 pounds;

(e) the value provided by the department of revenue under 15-36-324(13); and

(f) 6% of the taxable value of the county on January 1 of each tax year."

Section 5. Section 15-6-201, MCA, is amended to read:

"15-6-201. Exempt categories. (1) The following categories of property are exempt from taxation:

(a) except as provided in 15-24-1203, the property of:

(i) the United States, except:

(A) if congress passes legislation that allows the state to tax property owned by the federal government or an agency created by congress; or

(B) as provided in 15-24-1103;

(ii) the state, counties, cities, towns, and school districts;

(iii) irrigation districts organized under the laws of Montana and not operating for profit;

(iv) municipal corporations;

(v) public libraries; and

(vi) rural fire districts and other entities providing fire protection under Title 7, chapter 33;

(b) buildings, with land that they occupy and furnishings in the buildings, that are owned by a church and used for actual religious worship or for residences of the clergy, together with adjacent land reasonably necessary for convenient use of the buildings;

(c) property used exclusively for agricultural and horticultural societies, for educational purposes, and for nonprofit health care facilities, as defined in 50-5-101, licensed by the department of public health and human services and organized under Title 35, chapter 2 or 3. A health care facility that is not licensed by the department of public health and human services and organized under Title 35, chapter 2 or 3, is not exempt.

(d) property that is:

(i) owned and held by an association or corporation organized under Title 35, chapter 2, 3, 20, or 21;

(ii) devoted exclusively to use in connection with a cemetery or cemeteries for which a permanent care and improvement fund has been established as provided for in Title 35, chapter 20, part 3; and

(iii) not maintained and operated for private or corporate profit;

(e) property that is owned or property that is leased from a federal, state, or local governmental entity by institutions of purely public charity if the property is directly used for purely public charitable purposes;

(f) evidence of debt secured by mortgages of record upon real or personal property in the state of Montana;

(g) public museums, art galleries, zoos, and observatories that are not used or held for private or corporate profit;

(h) all household goods and furniture, including but not limited to clocks, musical instruments, sewing machines, and wearing apparel of members of the family, used by the owner for personal and domestic purposes or for furnishing or equipping the family residence;

(i) truck canopy covers or toppers and campers;

(j) a bicycle, as defined in 61-1-123, used by the owner for personal transportation purposes;

(k) motor homes;

(l) all watercraft;

(m) motor vehicles, land, fixtures, buildings, and improvements owned by a cooperative association or nonprofit corporation organized to furnish potable water to its members or customers for uses other than the irrigation of agricultural land;

(n) the right of entry that is a property right reserved in land or received by mesne conveyance (exclusive of leasehold interests), devise, or succession to enter land with a surface title that is held by another to explore, prospect, or dig for oil, gas, coal, or minerals;

(o) (i) property that is owned and used by a corporation or association organized and operated exclusively for the care of persons with developmental disabilities, persons with mental illness, or persons with physical or mental impairments that constitute or result in substantial impediments to employment and that is not operated for gain or profit; and

(ii) property that is owned and used by an organization owning and operating facilities that are for the care of the retired, aged, or chronically ill and that are not operated for gain or profit;

(p) all farm buildings with a market value of less than $500 and all agricultural implements and machinery with a market value of less than $100;

(q) property owned by a nonprofit corporation that is organized to provide facilities primarily for training and practice for or competition in international sports and athletic events and that is not held or used for private or corporate gain or profit. For purposes of this subsection (1)(q), "nonprofit corporation" means an organization that is exempt from taxation under section 501(c) of the Internal Revenue Code and incorporated and admitted under the Montana Nonprofit Corporation Act.

(r) the first $15,000 or less of market value of tools owned by the taxpayer that are customarily hand-held and that are used to:

(i) construct, repair, and maintain improvements to real property; or

(ii) repair and maintain machinery, equipment, appliances, or other personal property;

(s) harness, saddlery, and other tack equipment;

(t) a title plant owned by a title insurer or a title insurance producer, as those terms are defined in 33-25-105;

(u) timber as defined in 15-44-102;

(v) all trailers as defined in 61-1-111, semitrailers as defined in 61-1-112, pole trailers as defined in 61-1-114, and travel trailers as defined in 61-1-131;

(w) all vehicles registered under 61-3-456;

(x) (i) buses, trucks having a manufacturer's rated capacity of more than 1 ton, and truck tractors, including buses, trucks, and truck tractors apportioned under Title 61, chapter 3, part 7; and

(ii) personal property that is attached to a bus, truck, or truck tractor that is exempt under subsection (1)(x)(i);

(y) motorcycles and quadricycles; and

(z) light vehicles as defined in 61-1-139.

(2) (a) For the purposes of subsection (1)(e), the term "institutions of purely public charity" includes any organization that meets the following requirements:

(i) The organization qualifies as a tax-exempt organization under the provisions of section 501(c)(3), Internal Revenue Code, as amended.

(ii) The organization accomplishes its activities through absolute gratuity or grants. However, the organization may solicit or raise funds by the sale of merchandise, memberships, or tickets to public performances or entertainment or by other similar types of fundraising activities.

(b) For the purposes of subsection (1)(g), the term "public museums, art galleries, zoos, and observatories" means governmental entities or nonprofit organizations whose principal purpose is to hold property for public display or for use as a museum, art gallery, zoo, or observatory. The exempt property includes all real and personal property reasonably necessary for use in connection with the public display or observatory use. Unless the property is leased for a profit to a governmental entity or nonprofit organization by an individual or for-profit organization, real and personal property owned by other persons is exempt if it is:

(i) actually used by the governmental entity or nonprofit organization as a part of its public display;

(ii) held for future display; or

(iii) used to house or store a public display.

(3) The following portions of the appraised value of a capital investment in a recognized nonfossil form of energy generation or low emission wood or biomass combustion devices, as defined in 15-32-102, are exempt from taxation for a period of 10 years following installation of the property:

(a) $20,000 in the case of a single-family residential dwelling;

(b) $100,000 in the case of a multifamily residential dwelling or a nonresidential structure."

Section 6. Section 15-6-215, MCA, is amended to read:

"15-6-215. Exemption for motion picture and television commercial property. Except as provided in 15-24-305 and 61-3-520, all property, including vehicles, brought into the state or otherwise used for the exclusive purpose of filming motion pictures or television commercials is exempt from property taxation and registration fees under [sections 1 and 2], provided that the property does not remain in the state for a period in excess of 180 consecutive days in a calendar year."

Section 7. Section 15-8-202, MCA, is amended to read:

"15-8-202. Motor vehicle assessment by department of justice. (1) (a) The department of justice shall determine the registration fee on light vehicles in accordance with [sections 1 through 3].

(b) For the purposes of the local option vehicle tax under 61-3-537, the department of justice shall assess all light vehicles, subject to 61-3-313 through 61-3-316 and 61-3-501, for taxation in accordance with 61-3-503.

(c) The department of justice shall determine the fee in lieu of tax for all buses, trucks having a manufacturer's rated capacity of more than 1 ton, and truck tractors in accordance with 61-3-528 and 61-3-529.

(d) Taxes, registration fees, or fees in lieu of tax on motor vehicles under this subsection (1) must be assessed or imposed in each year on the persons who owned or claimed the motor vehicles or in whose possession or control the motor vehicle was on the anniversary registration date.

(2) A tax or fee in lieu of tax may not be assessed or imposed against motor vehicles subject to taxation or to a fee in lieu of tax that constitute inventory of motor vehicle dealers as of January 1. These vehicles and all other motor vehicles subject to taxation or a fee in lieu of tax that are brought into the state after January 1 as motor vehicle dealers' inventories must be assessed to their respective purchasers as of the dates the vehicles are registered by the purchasers.

(3) "Purchasers" includes dealers who apply for registration or reregistration of motor vehicles .

(4) Goods, wares, and merchandise of motor vehicle dealers, other than new motor vehicles and new mobile homes, must be assessed at market value as of January 1."

Section 8. Section 15-24-301, MCA, is amended to read:

"15-24-301. Personal property brought into state -- assessment -- exceptions -- custom combine equipment. (1) Except as provided in subsections (2) through (5), property in the following cases is subject to taxation and assessment for all taxes levied that year in the county in which it is located:

(a) personal property, including livestock, brought into this state at any time during the year that is used in the state for hire, compensation, or profit;

(b) property whose owner or user is engaged in gainful occupation or business enterprise in the state; or

(c) property that becomes a part of the general property of the state.

(2) The taxes on this property are levied in the same manner , except as otherwise provided, as though the property had been in the county on the regular assessment date, provided that the property has not been regularly assessed for the year in some other county of the state.

(3) This section may not be construed to levy a tax against a merchant or dealer within this state on goods, wares, or merchandise brought into the county to replenish the stock of the merchant or dealer.

(4) A motor vehicle subject to the registration fee imposed by [sections 1 and 2] that is brought into this state by a nonresident person temporarily employed in Montana and used exclusively for transportation of the person is subject to registration fees as follows:

(a) The motor vehicle fee is imposed by the county in which it is located.

(b) One-fourth of the annual fee of the motor vehicle must be paid for each quarter or portion of a quarter of the year that the motor vehicle is located in Montana.

(c) The quarterly fees are due the first day of the quarter.

(5) Agricultural harvesting machinery classified under class eight, licensed in another state, and operated on the land of a person other than the owner of the machinery under a contract for hire is subject to a fee in lieu of tax of $35 for each machine for the calendar year in which the fee is collected. The machinery is subject to taxation under class eight only if the machinery is sold in Montana."

Section 9. Section 15-24-302, MCA, is amended to read:

"15-24-302. Collection procedure. All property mentioned in 15-24-301 is assessed at the same value as property of like kind and character, and the assessment, levy, and collection of the tax are governed by the provisions of 15-8-408, 15-16-115, 15-16-119, 15-16-404, 15-17-911, and 15-24-202, except:

(1) the imposition of registration fees on motor vehicles under 15-24-301(4) to the extent that subsection varies from the general provisions cited in this section; and

(2) livestock taxation governed by 81-7-104 and Title 81, chapter 7, part 2."

Section 10. Section 15-30-121, MCA, is amended to read:

"15-30-121. Deductions allowed in computing net income. (1) In computing net income, there are allowed as deductions:

(a) the items referred to in sections 161, including the contributions referred to in 33-15-201(5)(b), and 211 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 (26 U.S.C. 161 and 211), or as sections 161 and 211 are labeled or amended, subject to the following exceptions, which are not deductible:

(i) items provided for in 15-30-123;

(ii) state income tax paid;

(iii) premium payments for medical care as provided in subsection (1)(g)(i);

(iv) long-term care insurance premium payments as provided in subsection (1)(g)(ii);

(b) federal income tax paid within the tax year;

(c) expenses of household and dependent care services as outlined in subsections (1)(c)(i) through (1)(c)(iii) and (2) and subject to the limitations and rules as set out in subsections (1)(c)(iv) through (1)(c)(vi), as follows:

(i) expenses for household and dependent care services necessary for gainful employment incurred for:

(A) a dependent under 15 years of age for whom an exemption can be claimed;

(B) a dependent as allowable under 15-30-112(5), except that the limitations for age and gross income do not apply, who is unable to provide self-care because of physical or mental illness; and

(C) a spouse who is unable to provide self-care because of physical or mental illness;

(ii) employment-related expenses incurred for the following services, but only if the expenses are incurred to enable the taxpayer to be gainfully employed:

(A) household services that are attributable to the care of the qualifying individual; and

(B) care of an individual who qualifies under subsection (1)(c)(i);

(iii) expenses incurred in maintaining a household if over half of the cost of maintaining the household is furnished by an individual or, if the individual is married during the applicable period, is furnished by the individual and the individual's spouse;

(iv) the amounts deductible in subsections (1)(c)(i) through (1)(c)(iii), subject to the following limitations:

(A) a deduction is allowed under subsection (1)(c)(i) for employment-related expenses incurred during the year only to the extent that the expenses do not exceed $4,800;

(B) expenses for services in the household are deductible under subsection (1)(c)(i) for employment-related expenses only if they are incurred for services in the taxpayer's household, except that employment-related expenses incurred for services outside the taxpayer's household are deductible, but only if incurred for the care of a qualifying individual described in subsection (1)(c)(i)(A) and only to the extent that the expenses incurred during the year do not exceed:

(I) $2,400 in the case of one qualifying individual;

(II) $3,600 in the case of two qualifying individuals; and

(III) $4,800 in the case of three or more qualifying individuals;

(v) if the combined adjusted gross income of the taxpayers exceeds $18,000 for the tax year during which the expenses are incurred, the amount of the employment-related expenses incurred, to be reduced by one-half of the excess of the combined adjusted gross income over $18,000;

(vi) for purposes of this subsection (1)(c):

(A) married couples shall file a joint return or file separately on the same form;

(B) if the taxpayer is married during any period of the tax year, employment-related expenses incurred are deductible only if:

(I) both spouses are gainfully employed, in which case the expenses are deductible only to the extent that they are a direct result of the employment; or

(II) the spouse is a qualifying individual described in subsection (1)(c)(i)(C);

(C) an individual legally separated from the individual's spouse under a decree of divorce or of separate maintenance may not be considered as married;

(D) the deduction for employment-related expenses must be divided equally between the spouses when filing separately on the same form;

(E) payment made to a child of the taxpayer who is under 19 years of age at the close of the tax year and payments made to an individual with respect to whom a deduction is allowable under 15-30-112(5) are not deductible as employment-related expenses;

(d) in the case of an individual, political contributions determined in accordance with the provisions of section 218(a) and (b) of the Internal Revenue Code (now repealed) that were in effect for the tax year ended December 31, 1978;

(e) that portion of expenses for organic fertilizer and inorganic fertilizer produced as a byproduct allowed as a deduction under 15-32-303 that was not otherwise deducted in computing taxable income;

(f) contributions to the child abuse and neglect prevention program provided for in 41-3-701, subject to the conditions set forth in 15-30-156;

(g) the entire amount of premium payments made by the taxpayer, except premiums deducted in determining Montana adjusted gross income, or for which a credit was claimed under 15-30-128, for:

(i) insurance for medical care, as defined in 26 U.S.C. 213(d), for coverage of the taxpayer, the taxpayer's dependents, and the parents and grandparents of the taxpayer; and

(ii) long-term care insurance policies or certificates that provide coverage primarily for any qualified long-term care services, as defined in 26 U.S.C. 7702B(c), for:

(A) the benefit of the taxpayer for tax years beginning after December 31, 1994; or

(B) the benefit of the taxpayer, the taxpayer's dependents, and the parents and grandparents of the taxpayer for tax years beginning after December 31, 1996;

(h) contributions to the Montana drug abuse resistance education program provided for in 44-2-702, subject to the conditions set forth in 15-30-159; and

(i) light vehicle registration fees , as provided for in [sections 1 through 3], paid during the tax year.

(2) (a) Subject to the conditions of subsection (1)(c), a taxpayer who operates a family day-care home or a group day-care home, as these terms are defined in 52-2-703, and who cares for the taxpayer's own child and at least one unrelated child in the ordinary course of business may deduct employment-related expenses considered to have been paid for the care of the child.

(b) The amount of employment-related expenses considered to have been paid by the taxpayer is equal to the amount that the taxpayer charges for the care of a child of the same age for the same number of hours of care. The employment-related expenses apply regardless of whether any expenses actually have been paid. Employment-related expenses may not exceed the amounts specified in subsection (1)(c)(iv)(B).

(c) Only a day-care operator who is licensed and registered as required in 52-2-721 is allowed the deduction under this subsection (2). (Subsection (1)(h) terminates on occurrence of contingency--sec. 12, Ch. 808, L. 1991.)"

Section 11. Section 15-50-207, MCA, is amended to read:

"15-50-207. Credit against other taxes -- credit for personal property taxes and certain fees. (1) The additional license fees withheld or otherwise paid as provided in this chapter may be used as a credit on the contractor's corporation license tax provided for in chapter 31 of this title or on the contractor's income tax provided for in chapter 30, depending upon the type of tax the contractor is required to pay under the laws of the state.

(2) Personal property taxes and the fee in lieu of tax on buses, trucks having a manufacturer's rated capacity of more than 1 ton, or truck tractors, as provided in 61-3-529, and the registration fee on light vehicles, as provided in [sections 1 through 3], paid in Montana on any personal property or vehicle of the contractor that is used in the business of the contractor and is located within this state may be credited against the license fees required under this chapter. However, in computing the tax credit allowed by this section against the contractor's corporation license tax or income tax, the tax credit against the license fees required under this chapter may not be considered as license fees paid for the purpose of the income tax or corporation license tax credit."

Section 12. Section 15-70-101, MCA, is amended to read:

"15-70-101. Disposition of funds. (1) All taxes collected under this chapter must, in accordance with the provisions of 15-1-501, be placed in a highway revenue account in the state special revenue fund to the credit of the department of transportation. Beginning July 1, 2001, all interest and income earned on the account must be deposited to the credit of the account and any unexpended balance in the account must remain in the account. Those funds allocated to cities, towns, counties, and consolidated city-county governments in this section must, in accordance with the provisions of 15-1-501, be paid by the department of transportation from the state special revenue fund to the cities, towns, counties, and consolidated city-county governments.

(2) The amount of $16,766,000 of the taxes collected under this chapter is statutorily appropriated, as provided in 17-7-502, to the department of transportation and must be allocated each fiscal year on a monthly basis to the counties, incorporated cities and towns, and consolidated city-county governments in Montana for construction, reconstruction, maintenance, and repair of rural roads and city or town streets and alleys, as provided in subsections (2)(a) through (2)(c):

(a) The amount of $54,000 must be designated for the purposes and functions of the Montana local technical assistance transportation program in Bozeman.

(b) The amount of $6,323,000 must be divided among the various counties in the following manner:

(i) 40% in the ratio that the rural road mileage in each county, exclusive of the national highway system and the primary system, bears to the total rural road mileage in the state, exclusive of the national highway system and the primary system;

(ii) 40% in the ratio that the rural population in each county outside incorporated cities and towns bears to the total rural population in the state outside incorporated cities and towns;

(iii) 20% in the ratio that the land area of each county bears to the total land area of the state.

(c) The amount of $10,389,000 must be divided among the incorporated cities and towns in the following manner:

(i) 50% of the sum in the ratio that the population within the corporate limits of the city or town bears to the total population within corporate limits of all the cities and towns in Montana;

(ii) 50% in the ratio that the city or town street and alley mileage, exclusive of the national highway system and the primary system, within corporate limits bears to the total street and alley mileage, exclusive of the national highway system and primary system, within the corporate limits of all cities and towns in Montana.

(3) (a) For the purpose of allocating the funds in subsections (2)(b) and (2)(c) to a consolidated city-county government, each entity must be considered to have separate city and county boundaries. The city limit boundaries are the last official city limit boundaries for the former city and must be used to determine city and county populations and road mileages in the following manner:

(i) Percentage factors must be calculated to determine separate populations for the city and rural county by using the last official decennial federal census population figures that recognized an incorporated city and the rural county. The factors must be based on the ratio of the city to the rural county population, considering the total population in the county minus the population of any other incorporated city or town in the county.

(ii) The city and county populations must be calculated by multiplying the total county population, as determined by the latest official decennial census or the latest interim year population estimates from the Montana department of commerce as supplied by the United States bureau of the census, minus the population of any other incorporated city or town in that county, by the factors established in subsection (3)(a)(i).

(b) The amount allocated by this method for the city and the county must be combined, and single monthly payments must be made to the consolidated city-county government.

(4) All funds allocated by this section to counties, cities, towns, and consolidated city-county governments must be used for the construction, reconstruction, maintenance, and repair of rural roads or city or town streets and alleys or for the share that the city, town, county, or consolidated city-county government might otherwise expend for proportionate matching of federal funds allocated for the construction of roads or streets that are part of the primary or secondary highway system or urban extensions to those systems. The governing body of a town or third-class city, as defined in 7-1-4111, may each year expend no more than 25% of the funds allocated to that town or third-class city for the purchase of capital equipment and supplies to be used for the maintenance and repair of town or third-class city streets and alleys.

(5) All funds allocated by this section to counties, cities, towns, and consolidated city-county governments must be disbursed to the lowest responsible bidder according to applicable bidding procedures followed in all cases in which the contract for construction, reconstruction, maintenance, or repair is in excess of $4,000.

(6) For the purposes of this section in which distribution of funds is made on a basis related to population, the population must be determined annually for counties and biennially for cities according to the latest official decennial census or the latest interim year population estimates from the Montana department of commerce as supplied by the United States bureau of the census.

(7) For the purposes of this section in which determination of mileage is necessary for distribution of funds, it is the responsibility of the cities, towns, counties, and consolidated city-county governments to furnish to the department of transportation a yearly certified statement indicating the total mileage within their respective areas applicable to this chapter. All mileage submitted is subject to review and approval by the department of transportation.

(8) Except by a town or third-class city as provided in subsection (4), the funds authorized by this section may not be used for the purchase of capital equipment.

(9) Funds authorized by this section must be used for construction and maintenance programs."

Section 13. Section 15-70-125, MCA, is amended to read:

"15-70-125. Highway nonrestricted account. There is a highway nonrestricted account in the state special revenue fund. All interest and penalties collected under this chapter, except those collected by a justice's court, must, in accordance with the provisions of 15-1-501, be placed in the highway nonrestricted account. Beginning July 1, 2001, all interest and income earned on the account must be deposited to the credit of the account and any unexpended balance in the account must remain in the account."

Section 14. Section 20-9-141, MCA, is amended to read:

"20-9-141. Computation of general fund net levy requirement by county superintendent. (1) The county superintendent shall compute the levy requirement for each district's general fund on the basis of the following procedure:

(a) Determine the funding required for the district's final general fund budget less the sum of direct state aid and the special education allowable cost payment for the district by totaling:

(i) the district's nonisolated school BASE budget requirement to be met by a district levy as provided in 20-9-303; and

(ii) any general fund budget amount adopted by the trustees of the district under the provisions of 20-9-308 and 20-9-353, including any additional funding for a general fund budget that exceeds the maximum general fund budget.

(b) Determine the money available for the reduction of the property tax on the district for the general fund by totaling:

(i) the general fund balance reappropriated, as established under the provisions of 20-9-104;

(ii) amounts received in the last fiscal year for which revenue reporting was required for each of the following:

(A) tuition payments for out-of-district pupils under the provisions of 20-5-321 through 20-5-323, except the amount of tuition received for a pupil who is a child with disabilities in excess of the amount received for a pupil without disabilities, as calculated under 20-5-323(2);

(B) revenue from taxes and fees imposed under 23-2-517, 23-2-803, 61-3-521, 61-3-527, 61-3-529, 61-3-537, [sections 1 through 3], [section 38], and 67-3-204;

(C) oil and natural gas production taxes;

(D) interest earned by the investment of general fund cash in accordance with the provisions of 20-9-213(4);

(E) revenue from corporation license taxes collected from financial institutions under the provisions of 15-31-702; and

(F) any other revenue received during the school fiscal year that may be used to finance the general fund, excluding any guaranteed tax base aid; and

(iii) pursuant to subsection (4), anticipated revenue from coal gross proceeds under 15-23-703.

(c) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (2), subtract the money available to reduce the property tax required to finance the general fund that has been determined in subsection (1)(b) from any general fund budget amount adopted by the trustees of the district, up to the BASE budget amount, to determine the general fund BASE budget levy requirement.

(d) Subtract any amount remaining after the determination in subsection (1)(c) from any additional funding requirement to be met by an over-BASE budget amount, a district levy as provided in 20-9-303, and any additional financing as provided in 20-9-353 to determine any additional general fund levy requirements.

(2) The county superintendent shall calculate the number of mills to be levied on the taxable property in the district to finance the general fund levy requirement for any amount that does not exceed the BASE budget amount for the district by dividing the amount determined in subsection (1)(c) by the sum of:

(a) the amount of guaranteed tax base aid that the district will receive for each mill levied, as certified by the superintendent of public instruction; and

(b) the taxable valuation of the district divided by 1,000.

(3) The net general fund levy requirement determined in subsections (1)(c) and (1)(d) must be reported to the county commissioners on the fourth Monday of August by the county superintendent as the general fund net levy requirement for the district, and a levy must be set by the county commissioners in accordance with 20-9-142.

(4) For each school district, the department of revenue shall calculate and report to the county superintendent the amount of revenue anticipated for the ensuing fiscal year from revenue from coal gross proceeds under 15-23-703."

Section 15. Section 20-9-331, MCA, is amended to read:

"20-9-331. Basic county tax for elementary equalization and other revenue for county equalization of elementary BASE funding program. (1) The county commissioners of each county shall levy an annual basic county tax of 33 mills on the dollar of the taxable value of all taxable property within the county, except for property subject to a tax or fee under 23-2-517, 23-2-803, 61-3-521, 61-3-527, 61-3-529, 61-3-537, [sections 1 through 3], [section 38], and 67-3-204, for the purposes of elementary equalization and state BASE funding program support. The revenue collected from this levy must be apportioned to the support of the elementary BASE funding programs of the school districts in the county and to the state general fund in the following manner:

(a) In order to determine the amount of revenue raised by this levy that is retained by the county, the sum of the estimated revenue identified in subsection (2) must be subtracted from the total of the BASE funding programs of all elementary districts of the county.

(b) If the basic levy and other revenue prescribed by this section produce more revenue than is required to repay a state advance for county equalization, the county treasurer shall remit the surplus funds to the state treasurer for deposit to the state general fund immediately upon occurrence of a surplus balance and each subsequent month, with any final remittance due no later than June 20 of the fiscal year for which the levy has been set.

(2) The revenue realized from the county's portion of the levy prescribed by this section and the revenue from the following sources must be used for the equalization of the elementary BASE funding program of the county as prescribed in 20-9-335, and a separate accounting must be kept of the revenue by the county treasurer in accordance with 20-9-212(1):

(a) the portion of the federal Taylor Grazing Act funds distributed to a county and designated for the elementary county equalization fund under the provisions of 17-3-222;

(b) the portion of the federal flood control act funds distributed to a county and designated for expenditure for the benefit of the county common schools under the provisions of 17-3-232;

(c) all money paid into the county treasury as a result of fines for violations of law, except money paid to a justice's court, and the use of which is not otherwise specified by law;

(d) any money remaining at the end of the immediately preceding school fiscal year in the county treasurer's accounts for the various sources of revenue established or referred to in this section;

(e) any federal or state money distributed to the county as payment in lieu of property taxation, including federal forest reserve funds allocated under the provisions of 17-3-213;

(f) gross proceeds taxes from coal under 15-23-703;

(g) oil and natural gas production taxes;

(h) anticipated local government severance tax payments for calendar year 1995 production as provided in 15-36-325; and

(i) anticipated revenue from property taxes and fees imposed under 23-2-517, 23-2-803, 61-3-521, 61-3-529, 61-3-537, [section 38], and 67-3-204."

Section 16. Section 20-9-333, MCA, is amended to read:

"20-9-333. Basic county tax for high school equalization and other revenue for county equalization of high school BASE funding program. (1) The county commissioners of each county shall levy an annual basic county tax of 22 mills on the dollar of the taxable value of all taxable property within the county, except for property subject to a tax or fee under 23-2-517, 23-2-803, 61-3-521, 61-3-527, 61-3-529, 61-3-537, [sections 1 through 3], [section 38], and 67-3-204, for the purposes of high school equalization and state BASE funding program support. The revenue collected from this levy must be apportioned to the support of the BASE funding programs of high school districts in the county and to the state general fund in the following manner:

(a) In order to determine the amount of revenue raised by this levy that is retained by the county, the sum of the estimated revenue identified in subsection (2) must be subtracted from the sum of the county's high school tuition obligation and the total of the BASE funding programs of all high school districts of the county.

(b) If the basic levy and other revenue prescribed by this section produce more revenue than is required to repay a state advance for county equalization, the county treasurer shall remit the surplus funds to the state treasurer for deposit to the state general fund immediately upon occurrence of a surplus balance and each subsequent month, with any final remittance due no later than June 20 of the fiscal year for which the levy has been set.

(2) The revenue realized from the county's portion of the levy prescribed in this section and the revenue from the following sources must be used for the equalization of the high school BASE funding program of the county as prescribed in 20-9-335, and a separate accounting must be kept of the revenue by the county treasurer in accordance with 20-9-212(1):

(a) any money remaining at the end of the immediately preceding school fiscal year in the county treasurer's accounts for the various sources of revenue established in this section;

(b) any federal or state money distributed to the county as payment in lieu of property taxation, including federal forest reserve funds allocated under the provisions of 17-3-213;

(c) gross proceeds taxes from coal under 15-23-703;

(d) oil and natural gas production taxes;

(e) anticipated local government severance tax payments for calendar year 1995 production as provided in 15-36-325; and

(f) anticipated revenue from property taxes and fees imposed under 23-2-517, 23-2-803, 61-3-521, 61-3-529, 61-3-537, [section 38], and 67-3-204."

Section 17. Section 20-9-360, MCA, is amended to read:

"20-9-360. State equalization aid levy. There is a levy of 40 mills imposed by the county commissioners of each county on all taxable property within the state, except property for which a tax or fee is required under 23-2-517, 23-2-803, 61-3-521, 61-3-527, 61-3-529, 61-3-537, [sections 1 through 3], [section 38], and 67-3-204. Proceeds of the levy must be remitted to the state treasurer and must be deposited to the credit of the state general fund for state equalization aid to the public schools of Montana."

Section 18. Section 20-9-501, MCA, is amended to read:

"20-9-501. Retirement fund. (1) The trustees of a district employing personnel who are members of the teachers' retirement system or the public employees' retirement system or who are covered by unemployment insurance or who are covered by any federal social security system requiring employer contributions shall establish a retirement fund for the purposes of budgeting and paying the employer's contributions to the systems. The district's contribution for each employee who is a member of the teachers' retirement system must be calculated in accordance with Title 19, chapter 20, part 6. The district's contribution for each employee who is a member of the public employees' retirement system must be calculated in accordance with 19-3-316. The district's contributions for each employee covered by any federal social security system must be paid in accordance with federal law and regulation. The district's contribution for each employee who is covered by unemployment insurance must be paid in accordance with Title 39, chapter 51, part 11.

(2) The trustees of a district required to make a contribution to a system referred to in subsection (1) shall include in the retirement fund of the final budget the estimated amount of the employer's contribution. After the final retirement fund budget has been adopted, the trustees shall pay the employer contributions to the systems in accordance with the financial administration provisions of this title.

(3) When the final retirement fund budget has been adopted, the county superintendent shall establish the levy requirement by:

(a) determining the sum of the money available to reduce the retirement fund levy requirement by adding:

(i) any anticipated money that may be realized in the retirement fund during the ensuing school fiscal year, including anticipated revenue from property taxes and fees imposed under 23-2-517, 23-2-803, 61-3-521, 61-3-527, 61-3-529, 61-3-537, [sections 1 through 3], [section 38], and 67-3-204;

(ii) oil and natural gas production taxes;

(iii) anticipated local government severance tax payments for calendar year 1995 production as provided in 15-36-325;

(iv) coal gross proceeds taxes under 15-23-703;

(v) any fund balance available for reappropriation as determined by subtracting the amount of the end-of-the-year fund balance earmarked as the retirement fund operating reserve for the ensuing school fiscal year by the trustees from the end-of-the-year fund balance in the retirement fund. The retirement fund operating reserve may not be more than 35% of the final retirement fund budget for the ensuing school fiscal year and must be used for the purpose of paying retirement fund warrants issued by the district under the final retirement fund budget.

(vi) any other revenue anticipated that may be realized in the retirement fund during the ensuing school fiscal year, excluding any guaranteed tax base aid.

(b) notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (8), subtracting the money available for reduction of the levy requirement, as determined in subsection (3)(a), from the budgeted amount for expenditures in the final retirement fund budget.

(4) The county superintendent shall:

(a) total the net retirement fund levy requirements separately for all elementary school districts, all high school districts, and all community college districts of the county, including any prorated joint district or special education cooperative agreement levy requirements; and

(b) report each levy requirement to the county commissioners on the fourth Monday of August as the respective county levy requirements for elementary district, high school district, and community college district retirement funds.

(5) The county commissioners shall fix and set the county levy in accordance with 20-9-142.

(6) The net retirement fund levy requirement for a joint elementary district or a joint high school district must be prorated to each county in which a part of the district is located in the same proportion as the district ANB of the joint district is distributed by pupil residence in each county. The county superintendents of the counties affected shall jointly determine the net retirement fund levy requirement for each county as provided in 20-9-151.

(7) The net retirement fund levy requirement for districts that are members of special education cooperative agreements must be prorated to each county in which the district is located in the same proportion as the special education cooperative budget is prorated to the member school districts. The county superintendents of the counties affected shall jointly determine the net retirement fund levy requirement for each county in the same manner as provided in 20-9-151, and the county commissioners shall fix and levy the net retirement fund levy for each county in the same manner as provided in 20-9-152.

(8) The county superintendent shall calculate the number of mills to be levied on the taxable property in the county to finance the retirement fund net levy requirement by dividing the amount determined in subsection (4)(a) by the sum of:

(a) the amount of guaranteed tax base aid that the county will receive for each mill levied, as certified by the superintendent of public instruction; and

(b) the taxable valuation of the district divided by 1,000."

Section 19. Section 20-10-144, MCA, is amended to read:

"20-10-144. Computation of revenue and net tax levy requirements for district transportation fund budget. Before the second Monday of August, the county superintendent shall compute the revenue available to finance the transportation fund budget of each district. The county superintendent shall compute the revenue for each district on the following basis:

(1) The "schedule amount" of the budget expenditures that is derived from the rate schedules in 20-10-141 and 20-10-142 must be determined by adding the following amounts:

(a) the sum of the maximum reimbursable expenditures for all approved school bus routes maintained by the district (to determine the maximum reimbursable expenditure, multiply the applicable rate for each bus mile by the total number of miles to be traveled during the ensuing school fiscal year on each bus route approved by the county transportation committee and maintained by the district); plus

(b) the total of all individual transportation per diem reimbursement rates for the district as determined from the contracts submitted by the district multiplied by the number of pupil-instruction days scheduled for the ensuing school attendance year; plus

(c) any estimated costs for supervised home study or supervised correspondence study for the ensuing school fiscal year; plus

(d) the amount budgeted in the budget for the contingency amount permitted in 20-10-143, except if the amount exceeds 10% of the total of subsections (1)(a), (1)(b), and (1)(c) or $100, whichever is larger, the contingency amount on the budget must be reduced to the limitation amount and used in this determination of the schedule amount; plus

(e) any estimated costs for transporting a child out of district when the child has mandatory approval to attend school in a district outside the district of residence.

(2) (a) The schedule amount determined in subsection (1) or the total transportation fund budget, whichever is smaller, is divided by 2 and is used to determine the available state and county revenue to be budgeted on the following basis:

(i) one-half is the budgeted state transportation reimbursement, except that the state transportation reimbursement for the transportation of special education pupils under the provisions of 20-7-442 must be 50% of the schedule amount attributed to the transportation of special education pupils; and

(ii) one-half is the budgeted county transportation fund reimbursement and must be financed in the manner provided in 20-10-146.

(b) When the district has a sufficient amount of fund balance for reappropriation and other sources of district revenue, as determined in subsection (3), to reduce the total district obligation for financing to zero, any remaining amount of district revenue and fund balance reappropriated must be used to reduce the county financing obligation in subsection (2)(a)(ii) and, if the county financing obligations are reduced to zero, to reduce the state financial obligation in subsection (2)(a)(i).

(c) The county revenue requirement for a joint district, after the application of any district money under subsection (2)(b), must be prorated to each county incorporated by the joint district in the same proportion as the ANB of the joint district is distributed by pupil residence in each county.

(3) The total of the money available for the reduction of property tax on the district for the transportation fund must be determined by totaling:

(a) anticipated federal money received under the provisions of 20 U.S.C. 7701, et seq., or other anticipated federal money received in lieu of that federal act;

(b) anticipated payments from other districts for providing school bus transportation services for the district;

(c) anticipated payments from a parent or guardian for providing school bus transportation services for a child;

(d) anticipated or reappropriated interest to be earned by the investment of transportation fund cash in accordance with the provisions of 20-9-213(4);

(e) anticipated or reappropriated revenue from property taxes and fees imposed under 23-2-517, 23-2-803, 61-3-521, 61-3-527, 61-3-529, 61-3-537, [sections 1 through 3], [section 38], and 67-3-204;

(f) anticipated revenue from coal gross proceeds under 15-23-703;

(g) anticipated oil and natural gas production taxes;

(h) anticipated local government severance tax payments for calendar year 1995 production;

(i) anticipated transportation payments for out-of-district pupils under the provisions of 20-5-320 through 20-5-324;

(j) any other revenue anticipated by the trustees to be earned during the ensuing school fiscal year that may be used to finance the transportation fund; and

(k) any fund balance available for reappropriation as determined by subtracting the amount of the end-of-the-year fund balance earmarked as the transportation fund operating reserve for the ensuing school fiscal year by the trustees from the end-of-the-year fund balance in the transportation fund. The operating reserve may not be more than 20% of the final transportation fund budget for the ensuing school fiscal year and is for the purpose of paying transportation fund warrants issued by the district under the final transportation fund budget.

(4) The district levy requirement for each district's transportation fund must be computed by:

(a) subtracting the schedule amount calculated in subsection (1) from the total preliminary transportation budget amount; and

(b) subtracting the amount of money available to reduce the property tax on the district, as determined in subsection (3), from the amount determined in subsection (4)(a).

(5) The transportation fund levy requirements determined in subsection (4) for each district must be reported to the county commissioners on the fourth Monday of August by the county superintendent as the transportation fund levy requirements for the district, and the levy must be made by the county commissioners in accordance with 20-9-142."

Section 20. Section 20-10-146, MCA, is amended to read:

"20-10-146. County transportation reimbursement. (1) The apportionment of the county transportation reimbursement by the county superintendent for school bus transportation or individual transportation that is actually rendered by a district in accordance with this title, board of public education transportation policy, and the transportation rules of the superintendent of public instruction must be the same as the state transportation reimbursement payment, except that:

(a) if any cash was used to reduce the budgeted county transportation reimbursement under the provisions of 20-10-144(2)(b), the annual apportionment is limited to the budget amount;

(b) when the county transportation reimbursement for a school bus has been prorated between two or more counties because the school bus is conveying pupils of more than one district located in the counties, the apportionment of the county transportation reimbursement must be adjusted to pay the amount computed under the proration; and

(c) when county transportation reimbursement is required under the mandatory attendance agreement provisions of 20-5-321.

(2) The county transportation net levy requirement for the financing of the county transportation fund reimbursements to districts is computed by:

(a) totaling the net requirement for all districts of the county, including reimbursements to a special education cooperative or prorated reimbursements to joint districts or reimbursements under the mandatory attendance agreement provisions of 20-5-321;

(b) determining the sum of the money available to reduce the county transportation net levy requirement by adding:

(i) anticipated money that may be realized in the county transportation fund during the ensuing school fiscal year, including anticipated revenue from property taxes and fees imposed under 23-2-517, 23-2-803, 61-3-521, 61-3-527, 61-3-529, 61-3-537, [sections 1 through 3], [section 38], and 67-3-204;

(ii) oil and natural gas production taxes;

(iii) anticipated local government severance tax payments for calendar year 1995 production;

(iv) coal gross proceeds taxes under 15-23-703;

(v) any fund balance available for reappropriation from the end-of-the-year fund balance in the county transportation fund;

(vi) federal forest reserve funds allocated under the provisions of 17-3-213; and

(vii) other revenue anticipated that may be realized in the county transportation fund during the ensuing school fiscal year; and

(c) subtracting the money available, as determined in subsection (2)(b), to reduce the levy requirement from the county transportation net levy requirement.

(3) The net levy requirement determined in subsection (2)(c) must be reported to the county commissioners on the fourth Monday of August by the county superintendent, and a levy must be set by the county commissioners in accordance with 20-9-142.

(4) The county superintendent shall apportion the county transportation reimbursement from the proceeds of the county transportation fund. The county superintendent shall order the county treasurer to make the apportionments in accordance with 20-9-212(2) and after the receipt of the semiannual state transportation reimbursement payments."

Section 21. Section 27-1-306, MCA, is amended to read:

"27-1-306. When replacement value to be allowed. The measure of damages in a case in which the cost of repairing a motor vehicle exceeds its value is the actual replacement value of the motor vehicle rather than its "book" value unless, after the damages arise, the parties agree to use the "book" value. "Book" value must be determined by referring to the national appraisal guides referred to in 61-3-208. Actual replacement value is the actual cash value of the motor vehicle immediately prior to the damage. "Book" value may be used to assist in determining the actual replacement value of the motor vehicle."

Section 22. Section 61-3-101, MCA, is amended to read:

"61-3-101. Duties of department -- records. (1) The department shall keep a record as specified in this section of all motor vehicles, trailers, and semitrailers of every kind, of certificates of registration and ownership of those vehicles, and of all manufacturers and dealers in motor vehicles.

(2) The record must show the following:

(a) the name of the owner, the residence address by street or rural route, the town, and the county and the mailing address if different from the residence address;

(b) the name and address of the conditional sales vendor, mortgagee, or other lienholder and the amount due under the contract or lien;

(c) the manufacturer of the vehicle;

(d) the manufacturer's designation of style of the vehicle;

(e) the identifying number;

(f) the year of manufacture;

(g) the character of motive power and shipping weight of the vehicle as shown by the manufacturer;

(h) the distinctive license number assigned to the vehicle, if any;

(i) if a truck or trailer, the number of tons capacity or GVW if imprinted on the manufacturer's identification plate;

(j) except as provided in 61-3-103, the name and complete address of any holder of a perfected security interest in the vehicle; and

(k) other information that may from time to time be found desirable.

(3) The department shall file applications for registration received by it from county treasurers and register the vehicles and the vehicle owners as follows:

(a) under the distinctive license number assigned to the vehicle by the county treasurer;

(b) alphabetically under the name of the owner;

(c) numerically under make and identifying number of the vehicle; and

(d) another index of registration as the department considers expedient.

(4) The department shall determine the amount of fees, including local option taxes or fees, to be collected at the time of registration for each light vehicle subject to a registration fee under [sections 1 through 3] and for each bus, truck having a manufacturer's rated capacity of more than 1 ton, and truck tractor subject to a fee in lieu of tax under 61-3-528 and 61-3-529. The county treasurer shall collect the registration fee, other appropriate fees, and local option taxes or fees, if applicable, on each motor vehicle at the time of its registration.

(5) Vehicle registration records and indexes and driver's license records and indexes may be maintained by electronic recording and storage media.

(6) In the case of dealers, the records must show the information contained in the application for a dealer's license, as required by 61-4-101 through 61-4-105, as well as the distinctive license number assigned to the dealer.

(7) In order to prevent an accumulation of unneeded records and files, regardless of any other statutory requirements, the department may destroy all records and files that relate to vehicles that have not been registered within the preceding 4 years and that do not have an active lien.

(8) All records must be open to inspection during reasonable business hours, and the department shall furnish any information from the records upon payment by the applicant of the cost of the information requested. Prior to providing the information, the department may require the applicant to provide identification. However, the department may, by rule, reasonably restrict disclosure of information on an owner or the owner's vehicle if the owner has requested in writing that the department not disclose the information."

Section 23. Section 61-3-301, MCA, is amended to read:

"61-3-301. Registration -- license plate required -- display. (1) Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, a person may not operate a motor vehicle upon the public highways of Montana unless the vehicle is properly registered and has the proper number plates conspicuously displayed, one on the front and one on the rear of the vehicle, each securely fastened to prevent it from swinging and unobstructed from plain view, except that trailers, semitrailers, quadricycles, motorcycles, and vehicles authorized in 61-4-102(6) to display demonstrator plates may have but one number plate conspicuously displayed on the rear. A person may not display on a vehicle at the same time a number assigned to it under any motor vehicle law except as provided in this chapter. A junk vehicle, as defined in Title 75, chapter 10, part 5, being driven or towed to an auto wrecking graveyard for disposal is exempt from the provisions of this section.

(2) A person may not purchase or display on a vehicle a license plate bearing the number assigned to any county, as provided in 61-3-332, other than the county of the person's permanent residence at the time of application for registration. However, the owner of a motor vehicle requiring a license plate on a motor vehicle used in the public transportation of persons or property may make application for the license in any county through which the motor vehicle passes in its regularly scheduled route, and the license plate issued bearing the number assigned to that county may be displayed on the motor vehicle in any other county of the state.

(3) It is unlawful to use license plates issued to one vehicle on any other vehicle, trailer, or semitrailer unless legally transferred as provided by statute or to repaint old license plates to resemble current license plates.

(4) This section does not apply to a vehicle exempt from taxation under 15-6-215 or subject to the registration fee or fee in lieu of tax under 61-3-520.

(5) A person violating these provisions is guilty of a misdemeanor and subject to the penalty prescribed in 61-3-601."

Section 24. Section 61-3-303, MCA, is amended to read:

"61-3-303. Application for registration. (1) Each owner of a motor vehicle operated or driven upon the public highways of this state shall for each motor vehicle owned, except as otherwise provided in this section, file or cause to be filed in the office of the county treasurer in the county where the owner permanently resides at the time of making the application or, if the vehicle is owned by a corporation or used primarily for commercial purposes, in the taxing jurisdiction of the county where the vehicle is permanently assigned an application for registration or reregistration on a form prescribed by the department. The application must contain:

(a) the name and address of the owner, giving the county, school district, and town or city within whose corporate limits the motor vehicle is taxable, if taxable, or within whose corporate limits the owner's residence is located if the motor vehicle is not taxable;

(b) the name and address of the holder of any security interest in the motor vehicle;

(c) a description of the motor vehicle, including make, year model, engine or serial number, manufacturer's model or letter, gross weight, declared weight on all trucks for which the manufacturer's rated capacity is 1 ton or less, and type of body and, if a truck, the manufacturer's rated capacity;

(d) the declared weight on all trailers operating intrastate, except travel trailers or trailers and semitrailers registered as provided in 61-3-711 through 61-3-733; and

(e) other information that the department may require.

(2) A person who files an application for registration or reregistration of a motor vehicle, except of a mobile home or a manufactured home as those terms are defined in 15-1-101(1), shall upon the filing of the application pay to the county treasurer:

(a) the registration fee, as provided in 61-3-311 and 61-3-321 or 61-3-456; and

(b) except as provided in 61-3-456 or unless it has been previously paid,

the motor vehicle fees in lieu of tax or registration fees under [sections 1 through 3] imposed against the vehicle for the current year of registration and the immediately previous year

.

(3) The application may not be accepted by the county treasurer unless the payments required by subsection (2) accompany the application. Except as provided in [sections 1 and 3], the department may not assess or impose and the county treasurer may not collect taxes or fees for a period other than:

(a) the current year; and

(b) the immediately previous year if the vehicle was not registered or operated on the highways of the state, regardless of the period of time since the vehicle was previously registered or operated.

(4) The department may make full and complete investigation of the status of the vehicle. An applicant for registration or reregistration shall submit proof from appropriate records of the proper county at the request of the department."

Section 25. Section 61-3-314, MCA, is amended to read:

"61-3-314. Registration period. (1) Except as provided in 61-3-315, each vehicle subject to the provisions of 61-3-313 through 61-3-316 must be registered for a 12-month period based upon the date it is first registered in this state pursuant to 61-3-313 through 61-3-316.

(2) There are 12 registration periods, each of which commences on the first day of a calendar month. The periods are:

(a) January 1 through January 31	1st period

(b) February 1 through February 28/29	2nd period

(c) March 1 through March 31	3rd period

(d) April 1 through April 30	4th period

(e) May 1 through May 31	5th period

(f) June 1 through June 30	6th period

(g) July 1 through July 31	7th period

(h) August 1 through August 31	8th period

(i) September 1 through September 30	9th period

(j) October 1 through October 31	10th period

(k) November 1 through November 30	11th period

(l) December 1 through December 31	12th period"

Section 26. Section 61-3-315, MCA, is amended to read:

"61-3-315. Reregistration on anniversary date -- department to make rules. (1) A vehicle that has been registered for any of the periods designated in 61-3-314 must be reregistered for the same period on or before the anniversary date of the initial registration unless that period is changed as provided in subsections (2) and (4). The anniversary date for reregistration is the last day of the month for the designated registration period.

(2) (a) The owner of a motor vehicle subject to the provisions of 61-3-313 through 61-3-316 and subject to the registration fee , as provided in [sections 1 and 2], may register the motor vehicle for a period not to exceed 24 months. The registration expires on the last day of the 24th month commencing from the date of the designated registration period under 61-3-314 for which the vehicle is registered.

(b) The owner of a motor vehicle 11 years old or older subject to the provisions of 61-3-313 through 61-3-316 and subject to the registration fee , as provided in [sections 1 and 2], may permanently register the motor vehicle as provided in [section 3]. The registration remains in effect until ownership of the vehicle is transferred to another person by the registered owner.

(3) The department shall adopt rules for the implementation and administration of 61-3-313 through 61-3-316 and for the identification of the registration on the vehicles.

(4) The department shall provide for simultaneous registration of multiple vehicles that have common ownership. The rules must provide for a change of the registration period to coincide with the date an owner desires to register the vehicles."

Section 27. Section 61-3-316, MCA, is amended to read:

"61-3-316. New registrations under staggered registration. A vehicle that is registered for the first time in this state must be assigned a registration period corresponding to when the vehicle is first registered in this state. Except as provided in 61-3-315, the registration period for a vehicle must remain the same from year to year."

Section 28. Section 61-3-317, MCA, is amended to read:

"61-3-317. New registration required for transferred vehicle -- grace period -- penalty -- display of proof of purchase. Except as otherwise provided in this section, the new owner of a transferred motor vehicle has a grace period of 20 calendar days from the date of purchase to make application and pay the registration fees , fees in lieu of tax and other fees required by part 5 of this chapter, and local option taxes, if applicable, unless the fees and taxes have been paid for the year or for the 24-month period as provided in 61-3-315, as if the vehicle were being registered for the first time in that registration year. If the motor vehicle was not purchased from a licensed motor vehicle dealer as provided in this chapter, it is not a violation of this chapter or any other law for the purchaser to operate the vehicle upon the streets and highways of this state without a certificate of registration during the 20-day period, provided that at all times during that period, a vehicle purchase sticker in a form prescribed and furnished by the department, obtained from the county treasurer or a law enforcement officer as authorized by the department, reciting the date of purchase is clearly displayed in the rear window of the motor vehicle. Registration and license fees collected under 61-3-321 are not required to be paid when a license plate is transferred under 61-3-335 and this section. Failure to make application within the time provided in this section subjects the purchaser to a penalty of $10. The penalty must be collected by the county treasurer at the time of registration and is in addition to the fees otherwise provided by law."

Section 29. Section 61-3-332, MCA, is amended to read:

"61-3-332. Number plates. (1) A motor vehicle that is driven upon the streets or highways of Montana must display both front and rear number plates, bearing the distinctive number assigned to the vehicle. The number plates are in 10 series: one series for owners of motorcars, one for owners of motor vehicles of the motorcycle or quadricycle type, one for trailers, one for trucks, one for dealers in vehicles of the motorcycle or quadricycle type that bears the distinctive letters "MCD" or the letters "MC" and the word "DEALER", one for franchised dealers in new motorcars (including trucks and trailers) or new and used motorcars (including trucks and trailers) that bears the distinctive letter "D" or the word "DEALER", one for dealers in used motorcars only (including used trucks and trailers) that bears the distinctive letters "UD" or the letter "U" and the word "DEALER", one for dealers in trailers and/or semitrailers (new or used) that bears the distinctive letters "DTR" or the letters "TR" and the word "DEALER", one for dealers in recreational vehicles that bears the distinctive letters "RV" or the letter "R" and the word "DEALER", and one for special license plates. All markings for the various kinds of dealers' plates must be placed on the number plates assigned to the dealer, in the position that the department designates.

(2) (a) All number plates for motor vehicles must be issued for a minimum period of 4 years, bear a distinctive marking, and be furnished by the state. In years when number plates are not issued, the department shall provide nonremovable stickers bearing appropriate registration numbers that must be affixed to the license plates in use.

(b) For light vehicles that are permanently registered as provided in [section 3] or 61-3-527, the department shall provide distinctive nonremovable stickers indicating that the vehicle is permanently registered. The stickers must be affixed to the license plates in use.

(3) Subject to the provisions of this section, the department shall create a new design for number plates as provided in this section.

(4) In the case of motorcars and trucks, plates must be of metal 6 inches wide and 12 inches in length. The outline of the state of Montana must be used as a distinctive border on the license plates, and the word "Montana" and the year must be placed across the plates. Registration plates must be treated with a reflectorized background material according to specifications prescribed by the department.

(5) The distinctive registration numbers must begin with a number one or with a letter-number combination, such as "A 1" or "AA 1", or any other similar combination of letters and numbers. The distinctive registration number or letter-number combination assigned to the vehicle must appear on the plate preceded by the number of the county and appearing in horizontal order on the same horizontal baseline. The county number must be separated from the distinctive registration number by a separation mark unless a letter-number combination is used. The dimensions of the numerals and letters must be determined by the department, and all county and registration numbers must be of equal height.

(6) For the use of exempt motor vehicles and motor vehicles that are exempt from the registration fee as provided in [section 1(2)(a)], in addition to the markings provided in this section, number plates must bear the following distinctive markings:

(a) For vehicles owned by the state, the department may designate the prefix number for the various state departments. All numbered plates issued to state departments must bear the words "State Owned", and a year number may not be indicated on the plates because these numbered plates are of a permanent nature and will be replaced by the department only when the physical condition of numbered plates requires it.

(b) For vehicles that are owned by the counties, municipalities, and special districts, as defined in 18-8-202, organized under the laws of Montana and not operating for profit, and that are used and operated by officials and employees in the line of duty and for vehicles on loan from the United States government or the state of Montana to, or owned by, the civil air patrol and used and operated by officials and employees in the line of duty, there must be placed on the number plates assigned, in a position that the department may designate, the letter "X" or the word "EXEMPT". Distinctive registration numbers for plates assigned to motor vehicles of each of the counties in the state and those of the municipalities and special districts that obtain plates within each county must begin with number one and be numbered consecutively. Because these number plates are of a permanent nature, they are subject to replacement by the department only when the physical condition of the number plates requires it and a year number may not be displayed on the number plates.

(7) On all number plates assigned to motor vehicles of the truck and trailer type, other than tax-exempt trucks and tax-exempt trailers, there must appear the letter "T" or the word "TRUCK" on plates assigned to trucks and the letters "TR" or the word "TRAILER" on plates assigned to trailers and housetrailers. The letters "MC" or the word "CYCLE" must appear on plates assigned to vehicles of the motorcycle or quadricycle type.

(8) Number plates issued to a passenger car, truck, trailer, or vehicle of the motorcycle or quadricycle type may be transferred only to a replacement passenger car, truck, trailer, or motorcycle- or quadricycle-type vehicle. A registration or license fee may not be assessed upon a transfer of a number plate under 61-3-317 and 61-3-335.

(9) For the purpose of this chapter, the several counties of the state are assigned numbers as follows: Silver Bow, 1; Cascade, 2; Yellowstone, 3; Missoula, 4; Lewis and Clark, 5; Gallatin, 6; Flathead, 7; Fergus, 8; Powder River, 9; Carbon, 10; Phillips, 11; Hill, 12; Ravalli, 13; Custer, 14; Lake, 15; Dawson, 16; Roosevelt, 17; Beaverhead, 18; Chouteau, 19; Valley, 20; Toole, 21; Big Horn, 22; Musselshell, 23; Blaine, 24; Madison, 25; Pondera, 26; Richland, 27; Powell, 28; Rosebud, 29; Deer Lodge, 30; Teton, 31; Stillwater, 32; Treasure, 33; Sheridan, 34; Sanders, 35; Judith Basin, 36; Daniels, 37; Glacier, 38; Fallon, 39; Sweet Grass, 40; McCone, 41; Carter, 42; Broadwater, 43; Wheatland, 44; Prairie, 45; Granite, 46; Meagher, 47; Liberty, 48; Park, 49; Garfield, 50; Jefferson, 51; Wibaux, 52; Golden Valley, 53; Mineral, 54; Petroleum, 55; Lincoln, 56. Any new counties must be assigned numbers by the department as they may be formed, beginning with the number 57.

(10) Each type of special license plate approved by the legislature, except collegiate license plates authorized in 61-3-463, must be a separate series of plates, numbered as provided in subsection (5), except that the county number must be replaced by a nonremovable design or decal designating the group or organization to which the applicant belongs. Unless otherwise specifically stated in this section, the special plates are subject to the same rules and laws as govern the issuance of regular license plates, must be placed or mounted on a vehicle owned by the person who is eligible to receive them, and must be removed upon sale or other disposition of the vehicle. The special license plates must be issued to national guard members, former prisoners of war, persons with disabilities, reservists, disabled veterans, survivors of the Pearl Harbor attack, veterans of the armed services, or veterans of the armed services who were awarded the purple heart medal, who comply with the following provisions:

(a) An active member of the Montana national guard may be issued special license plates with a design or decal displaying the letters "NG". The adjutant general shall issue to each active member of the Montana national guard a certificate authorizing the department to issue national guard plates, numbered in sets of two with a different number on each set, and the member shall surrender the plates to the department upon becoming ineligible to use them.

(b) An active member of the reserve armed forces of the United States of America who is a resident of this state may be issued special license plates with a design or decal displaying the following: United States army reserve, AR (symbol); United States naval reserve, NR (anchor); United States air force reserve, AFR (symbol); and United States marine corps reserve, MCR (globe and anchor). The commanding officer of each armed forces reserve unit shall issue to each eligible member of the reserve unit a certificate authorizing the issuance of special license plates, numbered in sets of two with a different number on each set. The member shall surrender the plates to the department upon becoming ineligible to use them.

(c) (i) A resident of Montana who is a veteran of the armed forces of the United States and who is 100% disabled because of an injury that has been determined by the department of veterans affairs to be service-connected may, upon presentation to the department of proof of the 100% disability, be issued:

(A) a special license plate under this section with a design or decal displaying the letters "DV"; or

(B) one set of any other military-related plates that the disabled veteran is eligible to receive under this section.

(ii) The fee for original or renewal registration by a 100% disabled veteran for a passenger vehicle or a truck with a GVW-rated capacity of 1 ton or less is $5 and is in lieu of all other fees and taxes for that vehicle under this chapter.

(iii) Special license plates issued to a disabled veteran are not transferable to another person.

(iv) A disabled veteran is not entitled to a special disabled veteran's license plate for more than one vehicle.

(v) A vehicle lawfully displaying a disabled veteran's plate and that is conveying a 100% disabled veteran is entitled to the parking privileges allowed a person with a disability's vehicle under this title.

(d) A Montana resident who is a veteran of the armed forces of the United States and was captured and held prisoner by a military force of a foreign nation, documented by the veteran's service record, may upon application and presentation of proof be issued special license plates, numbered in sets of two with a different number on each set, with a design or decal displaying the words "ex-prisoner of war" or an abbreviation that the department considers appropriate.

(e) Except as provided in subsection (10)(c), upon payment of all taxes and fees required by parts 3 and 5 of this chapter and upon furnishing proof satisfactory to the department that the applicant meets the requirements of this subsection (10)(e), the department shall issue to a Montana resident who is a veteran of the armed services of the United States special license plates, numbered in sets of two with a different number on each set, designed to indicate that the applicant is a survivor of the Pearl Harbor attack if the applicant was a member of the United States armed forces on December 7, 1941, was on station on December 7, 1941, during the hours of 7:55 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. (Hawaii time) at Pearl Harbor, the island of Oahu, or was offshore at a distance of not more than 3 miles and received an honorable discharge from the United States armed forces. If special license plates issued under this subsection are lost, stolen, or mutilated, the recipient of the plates is entitled to replacement plates upon request and without charge.

(f) A motor vehicle owner and resident of this state who is a veteran or the surviving spouse of a veteran of the armed services of the United States may be issued license plates inscribed as provided in subsection (10)(f)(i) if the veteran was separated from the armed services under other than dishonorable circumstances or was awarded the purple heart medal:

(i) Upon submission of a department of defense form 214(DD-214) or its successor or documents showing an other-than-dishonorable discharge or a reenlistment, proper identification, and other relevant documents to show an applicant's qualification under this subsection, there must be issued to the applicant, in lieu of the regular license plates prescribed by law, special license plates numbered in sets of two with a different number on each set. The plates must display:

(A) the word "VETERAN" and a symbol signifying the United States army, United States navy, United States air force, United States marine corps, or United States coast guard, according to the record of service verified in the application; or

(B) a symbol representing the purple heart medal.

(ii) Plates must be furnished by the department to the county treasurer, who shall issue them to a qualified veteran or to the veteran's surviving spouse. The plates must be placed or mounted on the vehicle owned by the veteran or the veteran's surviving spouse designated in the application and must be removed upon sale or other disposition of the vehicle.

(iii) Except as provided in subsection (10)(c), a veteran or surviving spouse who receives special license plates under this subsection (10)(f) is liable for payment of all taxes and fees required under parts 3 and 4 of this chapter and a special veteran's or purple heart medal license plate fee of $10. Upon an original application for a license under this subsection (10)(f), the county treasurer shall:

(A) deposit $3 of the special fee in the county general fund;

(B) remit $1 for deposit in the state general fund; and

(C) deposit the remainder of the special fee in the state special revenue account established in 10-2-603 for administration, construction, operation, and maintenance of the state veterans' cemeteries.

(iv) Upon subsequent annual renewal of registration, the county treasurer shall deposit all of the special fee as provided in subsection (10)(f)(iii)(C).

(g) A Montana resident who is eligible to receive a special parking permit under 49-4-301 may, upon written application on a form prescribed by the department, be issued a special license plate with a design or decal bearing a representation of a wheelchair as the symbol of a person with a disability.

(11) The provisions of this section do not apply to a motor vehicle, trailer, or semitrailer that is registered as part of a fleet, as defined in 61-3-712, and that is subject to the provisions of 61-3-711 through 61-3-733."

Section 30. Section 61-3-431, MCA, is amended to read:

"61-3-431. Special mobile equipment -- exemption from registration and payment of fees and charges -- identification plate -- publicly owned special mobile equipment. (1) A person, firm, partnership, or corporation who owns, leases, or rents special mobile equipment as defined in 61-1-104 and occasionally moves that equipment on, over, or across the highways of the state is not subject to registration of that equipment or required to pay the fees and charges provided for in 61-4-301 through 61-4-308 or part 2 of chapter 10. Prior to movement on the highways, however, each piece of equipment must display an equipment identification plate or a dealer's license plate attached to the equipment.

(2) Annual application for the identification plate must be made to the county treasurer before any piece of equipment is moved on the highways. Application must be made on a form furnished by the department of justice, together with the payment of a fee of $5. The equipment for which a special mobile equipment plate is sought is subject to the assessment of personal property taxes on the date application is made for the plate. The personal property taxes assessed against the special mobile equipment must be paid before the issuance of a special mobile equipment plate. The fees collected under this section belong to the county road fund.

(3) The identification plate expires on December 31 of each year. If the expired identification plate is displayed, an owner of special mobile equipment registered under the provisions of this section is entitled to operate the equipment between January 1 and February 15 following expiration without displaying the identification plate or receipt of the current year.

(4) Publicly owned special mobile equipment and implements of husbandry used exclusively by an owner in the conduct of the owner's farming operations are exempt from this section."

Section 31. Section 61-3-456, MCA, is amended to read:

"61-3-456. Registration of motor vehicle owned and operated by Montana resident on active military duty stationed outside Montana. (1) As an incentive for military service, an owner of a motor vehicle who is a Montana resident who entered active military duty from Montana and who is stationed outside Montana may file with the department an application for the registration of the motor vehicle. The application must be sworn to before an officer authorized to administer oaths. The application must state:

(a) the name and address of the owner;

(b) the make, the gross weight, the year and number of the model, and the manufacturer's identification number and serial number of the motor vehicle; and

(c) that the vehicle is owned and operated by a Montana resident who meets the qualifications of subsection (1) and is on active military duty and stationed outside Montana.

(2) The registration fee for a motor vehicle registered under subsection (1) is as provided in 61-3-311 and 61-3-321.

(3) A vehicle registered under this section is not subject to:

(a) the taxes described in 61-3-303(2)(b);

(b) assessment under 15-8-202 or 61-3-503, the fee in lieu of tax under 61-3-529, or the registration fee under [sections 1 through 3]; or

(c) any of the fees provided in part 5 of this chapter."

Section 32. Section 61-3-503, MCA, is amended to read:

"61-3-503. Assessment. (1) Except as provided in 61-3-520 and subsection (4) of this section, the following apply to the taxation of motor vehicles:

(a) For the purposes of imposing the local option vehicle tax under 61-3-537, light vehicles subject to the provisions of 61-3-313 through 61-3-316 must be assessed as of the first day of the registration period, using the depreciated value of the manufacturer's suggested retail price as determined in subsection (2).

(b) A lien for taxes and fees due on the vehicle occurs on the anniversary date of the registration and continues until the fees and taxes have been paid. If the depreciated value is less than $500, the department shall value the vehicle at $500.

(2) (a) Except as provided in subsections (2)(c) and (2)(d), the depreciated value for the taxation of light vehicles is computed by multiplying the manufacturer's suggested retail price by a percentage multiplier based on the type and age of the vehicle determined from the following table:

Age of Vehicle	Type of Vehicle

(in years)

Automobile	Truck	Van	Sport Utility

-1	100%	100%	100%	100%

0	90	96	93	98

1	80	91	86	94

2	69	86	78	90

3	58	80	69	84

4	49	73	60	76

5	41	66	52	67

6	33	57	45	57

7	26	49	38	48

8	21	43	32	39

9	17	37	27	33

10	14	31	22	29

11	12	26	18	25

12	10	22	15	22

13	09	18	13	21

14	09	15	11	19

15	09	13	09	17

16	09	12	09	15

(b) The age for the light vehicle is determined by subtracting the manufacturer's model year of the vehicle from the calendar year for which the tax is due.

(c) If the value of the vehicle determined under subsection (2)(a) is $500 or less, the value of the vehicle is $500 and the value must remain at that amount as long as the vehicle is registered.

(d) The depreciated value of a light vehicle that is 17 years old or older is computed by depreciating the value obtained for the vehicle at 16 years old, as determined under subsection (2)(a), by 10% a year until a minimum value of $500 is attained. The value must remain at that amount as long as the vehicle is registered.

(3) (a) For the purposes of this section, "manufacturer's suggested retail price" means the price suggested by the manufacturer for each given type, style, or model of light vehicle produced and first made available for retail sale by the manufacturer.

(b) The manufacturer's suggested retail price is based on standard equipment of a vehicle and does not contain price additions or deductions for optional accessories.

(c) When a manufacturer's suggested retail price is unavailable for a motor vehicle, the department shall determine an alternative valuation for the vehicle.

(4) The provisions of subsections (1) through (3) do not apply to buses, trucks having a manufacturer's rated capacity of more than 1 ton, truck tractors, motorcycles, motor homes, quadricycles, travel trailers, campers, mobile homes or manufactured homes as those terms are defined in 15-1-101(1)."

Section 33. Section 61-3-506, MCA, is amended to read:

"61-3-506. Rules.

The department of justice may adopt rules:

(1) for the assessment and collection of taxes and registration fees under [sections 1 through 3], including the proration of fees under 61-3-520, on light vehicles, including criteria for determining the vehicle's age;

(2) for the imposition and collection of fees in lieu of tax, including the proration of fees in lieu of tax under 61-3-520, on buses, trucks having a manufacturer's rated capacity of more than 1 ton, and truck tractors, including criteria for determining the vehicle's age and manufacturer's rated capacity; and

(3) for the administration of fees for trailers, pole trailers, and semitrailers, including criteria for determining a trailer's age and weight."

Section 34. Section 61-3-509, MCA, is amended to read:

"61-3-509. Disposition of taxes and fees. (1) All registration fees from vehicles for which an original application for title or the original Montana registration is sought must be remitted to the state treasurer every 30 days. The state treasurer shall credit the payments to the highway restricted state special revenue account.

(2) Except as provided in subsection (3) , the county treasurer shall, after deducting the district court fee, credit all taxes on motor vehicles , registration fees on light vehicles under [sections 1 through 3], and fees in lieu of tax on motorcycles, quadricycles, motor homes, travel trailers, campers, trailers, pole trailers, semitrailers, buses, trucks having a manufacturer's rated capacity of more than 1 ton, and truck tractors collected under 61-3-521, 61-3-527, 61-3-529, and 61-3-537 to a motor vehicle suspense fund. At some time between March 1 and March 10 of each year and every 60 days after that date, the county treasurer shall distribute the money in the motor vehicle suspense fund. Except for registration fees collected under [sections 1 through 3], the county treasurer shall distribute money in the fund in the relative proportions required by the levies for state, county, school district, and municipal purposes in the same manner as personal property taxes are distributed. For money in the fund collected under [sections 1 through 3] and 61-3-527, the county treasurer shall disregard the statewide mills levied for county elementary and high school equalization under 20-9-331 and 20-9-333, the statewide mills levied for state equalization aid under 20-9-360, the statewide mills levied for the university system, and mills levied for state assumption of public assistance under 53-2-813 in determining distribution proportions of the money and may not distribute money from [sections 1 through 3] and 61-3-527 to the state for these levies. If the distribution of money collected under [sections 1 through 3] and 61-3-527 to a school district general fund results in a lower revenue than the district received in fiscal year 1999 and the district has, for each year after fiscal year 1999, received less revenue than fiscal year 1999, then the district general fund is entitled to state reimbursement for the amount of the difference between the fiscal year 1999 revenue under 61-3-504, as that section read on September 30, 1999, and the current year distributions of collections under [sections 1 through 3] and 61-3-527.

(3) The county treasurer shall deduct as a district court fee 10% of the amount of the registration fee collected on light vehicles. The county treasurer shall credit the fee for district courts to a separate suspense account and shall forward the amount in the account to the state treasurer at the time that the county treasurer distributes money from the motor vehicle suspense fund. The state treasurer shall credit amounts received under this subsection to the state special revenue fund to be used for purposes of state funding of district court expenses as provided in 3-5-901.

"

Section 35. Section 61-3-520, MCA, is amended to read:

"61-3-520. Fees on vehicles used exclusively in filming motion pictures or television commercials. (1) A vehicle used exclusively in the filming of motion pictures or television commercials that has been in the state for a period exceeding 180 consecutive days in a calendar year is subject to a registration fee under [sections 1 and 2] or a fee in lieu of tax as if the vehicle were not used exclusively for filming motion pictures or television commercials, but the registration fee or fee in lieu of tax must be prorated as provided in subsection (2).

(2) (a) The registration fees or the fees in lieu of tax imposed under subsection (1) must be prorated by dividing the number of days in excess of 180 consecutive days in the calendar year by 365.

(b) Fees on a vehicle imposed pursuant to this section must be collected as provided in this chapter."

Section 36. Section 61-3-527, MCA, is amended to read:

"61-3-527. Fee in lieu of tax for motorcycles and quadricycles -- schedule of fees -- permanent registration. (1) (a) There is a fee in lieu of property tax imposed on motorcycles and quadricycles. The fee is in addition to annual registration fees.

(b) The fee imposed by subsection (1)(a) is not required to be paid by a dealer for motorcycles or quadricycles that constitute inventory of the dealership.

(2) The owner of a motorcycle or quadricycle shall pay a fee based on the age of the motorcycle or quadricycle and the size of the engine, as follows:

(a) The fee schedule for a motorcycle or quadricycle with an engine that measures from 1 cubic centimeter to 600 cubic centimeters is as follows:

(i) less than 5 years old, $30;

(ii)

5 years old and less than 11 years old, $15; and

(iii) 11 years old and older, $6.

(b) The fee schedule for a motorcycle or quadricycle with an engine that measures from 601 cubic centimeters to 1,000 cubic centimeters is as follows:

(i) less than 5 years old, $55;

(ii)

5 years old and less than 11 years old, $20; and

(iii) 11 years old and older, $6.

(c) The fee schedule for a motorcycle or quadricycle with an engine that measures 1,001 cubic centimeters and larger is as follows:

(i) less than 5 years old, $90;

(ii)

5 years old and less than 11 years old, $50; and

(iii) 11 years old and older, $6.

(3) (a) Except as provided in subsection (3)(b), the age of a motorcycle or quadricycle is determined by subtracting the manufacturer's designated model year from the current calendar year.

(b) If the purchase year of a motorcycle or quadricycle precedes the designated model year of the motorcycle or quadricycle and the motorcycle or quadricycle is originally titled in Montana, then the purchase year is considered the model year for the purposes of calculating the fee in lieu of tax.

(4) (a) The owner of a motorcycle or quadricycle 11 years old or older subject to the fee in lieu of tax under this section may permanently register the motorcycle or quadricycle upon payment of a $30 fee in lieu of tax, the applicable registration and license fees under 61-3-321, and an amount equal to five times the applicable fees imposed for each of the following:

(i) the motorcycle safety training fee under 20-7-514;

(ii) weed control fees under 61-3-510;

(iii) county motor vehicle computer fees under 61-3-511; and

(iv) if applicable, renewal fees for personalized plates under 61-3-406.

(b) A person who permanently registers a motorcycle or quadricycle as provided in this subsection (4) shall pay an additional $2 fee at the time of registration for deposit in the state general fund. The department shall pay from the general fund an amount equal to the $2 fee collected under this subsection (4)(b) from each vehicle registration to the pension trust fund for payment of supplemental benefits provided for in 19-6-709."

Section 37. Section 61-3-537, MCA, is amended to read:

"61-3-537. (Temporary) Local option vehicle tax. (1) A county may impose a local vehicle tax or a flat fee on vehicles subject to the registration fee under [sections 1 through 3] as provided in [section 38] or this section.

(2) A county may impose a local option tax at a rate of up to 0.5% of the value determined under 61-3-503, in addition to the registration fee imposed under [sections 1 through 3].

(3) A county that imposes a local option tax in addition to the registration fee imposed under [sections 1 through 3] shall collect the local option tax on a vehicle for which an original application for title or the original Montana registration is sought.

(4) A local vehicle tax or flat fee is payable at the same time and in the same manner as the registration fee imposed under [sections 1 through 3]. The first priority of the local vehicle tax or flat fee is for district court funding, and the tax or flat fee is distributed as follows:

(a) 50% to the county; and

(b) the remaining 50% to the county and the incorporated cities and towns within the county, apportioned on the basis of population. The distribution to a city or town is determined by multiplying the amount of money available by the ratio of the population of the city or town to the total county population. The distribution to the county is determined by multiplying the amount of money available by the ratio of the population of unincorporated areas within the county to the total county population.

(5) The proceeds of the tax collected under [section 3] must be remitted to the state treasurer every 30 days. The state treasurer shall credit the payments to the highway restricted state special revenue account.

(6) The governing body of a county may impose, revise, or revoke a local vehicle tax by adopting a resolution before July 1, after conducting a public hearing on the proposed resolution. The resolution may provide for the distribution of the local vehicle tax. (Terminates June 30, 2005--sec. 2, 3, Ch. 217, L. 1995.)

61-3-537. (Effective July 1, 2005) Local option vehicle tax. (1) A county may impose a local vehicle tax or a flat fee on vehicles subject to the registration fee under [sections 1 through 3] as provided in [section 38] or this section.

(2) A county may impose a local option tax at a rate of up to 0.5% of the value determined under 61-3-503, in addition to the registration fee imposed under [sections 1 through 3].

(3) A county that imposes a local option tax in addition to the registration fee imposed under [sections 1 through 3] shall collect the local option tax on a vehicle for which an original application for title or the original Montana registration is sought.

(4) A local vehicle tax or flat fee is payable at the same time and in the same manner as the registration fee imposed under [sections 1 through 3] and is distributed in the same manner, based on the registration address of the owner of the motor vehicle.

(5) The proceeds of the tax collected under [section 3] must be remitted to the state treasurer every 30 days. The state treasurer shall credit the payments to the highway restricted state special revenue account.

(6) The governing body of a county may impose, revise, or revoke a local vehicle tax by adopting a resolution before July 1, after conducting a public hearing on the proposed resolution."

NEW SECTION. Section 38. Local option flat fee. (1) A flat fee for each vehicle may be imposed within a county by the board of county commissioners by adoption of a resolution and referral to the electorate. The imposition of the fee must be approved by the majority of the electorate voting in the election.

(2) The flat fee is distributed as provided in 61-3-537.

Section 39. Section 61-3-701, MCA, is amended to read:

"61-3-701. Foreign vehicles used in gainful occupation to be registered -- reciprocity. (1) Before a foreign licensed motor vehicle may be operated on the highways of this state for hire, compensation, or profit or before the owner or user of the vehicle uses the vehicle if the owner or user is engaged in gainful occupation or business enterprise in the state, including highway work, the owner of the vehicle shall apply to a county treasurer for registration upon an application form furnished by the department. Upon satisfactory evidence of ownership submitted to the county treasurer and the payment of fees in lieu of taxes or registration fees, if appropriate, as required by 15-8-201, 15-8-202, 15-24-301, 61-3-529, 61-3-537, or [sections 1 and 2], the treasurer shall accept the application for registration and shall collect the regular license fee required for the vehicle.

(2) Upon payment of the fees or taxes, the treasurer shall issue to the applicant a copy of the certificate entitled "Owner's Certificate of Registration and Payment Receipt" and forward a duplicate copy of the certificate to the department. The treasurer shall at the same time issue to the applicant the proper license plates or other identification markers, which must at all times be displayed upon the vehicle when operated or driven upon roads and highways of this state during the effective period of the license.

(3) The registration receipt does not constitute evidence of ownership but must be used only for registration purposes. A Montana certificate of ownership may not be issued for this type of registration.

(4) This section is not applicable to a vehicle covered by a valid and existing reciprocal agreement or declaration entered into under the provisions of the laws of Montana."

Section 40. Section 61-3-707, MCA, is amended to read:

"61-3-707. Foreign vehicles used for transportation in connection with employment. (1) Before a motor vehicle assessed a fee pursuant to 15-24-301(4) may be operated in Montana for a calendar quarter, the person responsible for payment of fees shall apply for and obtain a window decal.

(2) Decals must be color-coded to distinguish the four quarterly registration periods of the year.

(3) An applicant may purchase a decal for more than one registration quarter at a time by paying the appropriate amount.

(4) There is a $2 fee for each decal, and money collected from this fee must be deposited to the county general fund. The $2 fee is in addition to the registration fee .

(5) A current window decal must be displayed on the lower right-hand corner of the windshield."

Section 41. Section 61-3-736, MCA, is amended to read:

"61-3-736. Assessment of proportionally registered interstate motor vehicle fleets -- payment of fee in lieu of tax required for registration. (1) (a) The department of transportation shall determine the fee for the purpose of imposing the fee in lieu of tax as provided in 61-3-528 and 61-3-529 and the registration fee under [sections 1 and 2] on light vehicles, buses, trucks having a manufacturer's rated capacity of more than 1 ton, and truck tractors, in interstate motor vehicle fleets that are proportionally registered under the provisions of 61-3-711 through 61-3-733. The fee must be apportioned on the ratio of total miles traveled to in-state miles traveled as prescribed by 61-3-721. The fee in lieu of tax or registration fee on interstate motor vehicle fleets is imposed upon application for proportional registration and must be paid by the persons who own or claim the fleet or in whose possession or control the fleet is at the time of the application.

(b) With respect to an original application for a fleet that has a situs in Montana for the purpose of the fee in lieu of tax under this part or any other provision of the laws of Montana, the fee in lieu of tax or registration fee on fleet vehicles must be prorated according to the ratio that the remaining number of months in the year bears to the total number of months in the year.

(c) Vehicles taxed as part of a fleet under this subsection (2) are not subject to the local option tax or flat fee imposed under 61-3-537 or [section 38].

(2) With respect to a renewal application for a fleet, the fee in lieu of tax is imposed for a full year.

(3) Vehicles contained in a fleet for which current fees have been assessed and paid may not be assessed or charged fees under this section upon presentation to the department of proof of payment of fees for the current registration year. The payment of fleet vehicle fees in lieu of tax and license fees is a condition precedent to proportional registration or reregistration of an interstate motor vehicle fleet.

(4) All fees collected on motor vehicle fleets under this chapter must be deposited and distributed as provided in 61-3-738."

Section 42. Section 61-3-737, MCA, is amended to read:

"61-3-737. Situs in state of proportionally registered fleets -- collection of fees. (1) For the purposes of this part, any vehicle previously registered or that has had application for registration made under the provisions of 61-3-711 through 61-3-733 has a situs in Montana for the purposes of the fee in lieu of tax.

(2) The department of transportation shall collect the fleet vehicle fees in lieu of tax and license fees prescribed in this part."

Section 43. Section 61-3-738, MCA, is amended to read:

"61-3-738. Deposit and distribution of fees on proportionally registered fleets. The fees in lieu of tax and license fees collected under this part must be deposited with the state treasurer for distribution to the general fund of each county on the following basis:

(1) for fleet vehicle fees in lieu of tax, according to the ratio of the taxable valuation of each county to the total state taxable valuation; and

(2) for fleet vehicle license fees, according to the ratio of vehicle license fees, other than fees derived from interstate motor vehicle fleets, collected in each county to the sum of all fleet vehicle fees collected in all the counties."

Section 44. Section 61-4-112, MCA, is amended to read:

"61-4-112. New motor vehicles -- transfers by dealers. (1) When a motor vehicle dealer transfers a new motor vehicle to a purchaser or other recipient, the dealer shall:

(a) issue and affix a permit as prescribed in 61-4-111(2)(a) for transfers of used motor vehicles and retain a copy of the permit;

(b) within 4 working days following the date of delivery of the new motor vehicle, forward to the county treasurer of the county where the purchaser or recipient resides:

(i) one copy of the permit issued under subsection (1)(a);

(ii) an application for certificate of title with a notice of security interest, if any, executed by the purchaser or recipient; and

(iii) a statement of origin that shows that the vehicle has not previously been registered or owned, except as otherwise provided in this section, by any person, firm, corporation, or association other than a new motor vehicle dealer holding a franchise or distribution agreement from a new car manufacturer, distributor, or importer.

(2) Upon receipt from the county treasurer of the documents required under subsection (1), the department shall issue a certificate of ownership and certificate of registration, together with a statement of lien as provided in 61-3-202."

Section 45. Section 61-10-231, MCA, is amended to read:

"61-10-231. Enforcement. The highway patrol and any designated employee of the department of transportation shall enforce this part , and those persons shall examine and inspect the motor vehicles operating upon the highways in this state and regulated by this part to ascertain whether or not those laws are being complied with."

NEW SECTION. Section 46. Repealer. Sections 61-3-502, 61-3-504, and 61-3-605, MCA, are repealed.

NEW SECTION. Section 47. Submission to electorate. The question of whether this act will become effective shall be submitted to the qualified electors of Montana at the general election to be held in November 2000 by printing on the ballot the full title of this act and the following:

[]	FOR reducing the taxation of light vehicles and eliminating the sales tax on new motor vehicles.

[]	AGAINST reducing the taxation of light vehicles and eliminating the sales tax on new motor vehicles.

NEW SECTION. Section 48. Codification instruction. [Sections 1, 2, 3, and 38] are intended to be codified as an integral part of Title 61, chapter 3, part 5, and the provisions of Title 61, chapter 3, part 5, apply to [sections 1, 2, 3, and 38].

NEW SECTION. Section 49. Coordination instruction. If this act is approved by the electorate and Senate Bill No. 260 is passed and approved, then [section 3 of Senate Bill No. 260] terminates on January 1, 2002.

NEW SECTION. Section 50. Saving clause. [This act] does not affect rights and duties that matured, penalties that were incurred, or proceedings that were begun before [the effective date of this act].

NEW SECTION. Section 51. Severability. If a part of [this act] is invalid, all valid parts that are severable from the invalid part remain in effect. If a part of [this act] is invalid in one or more of its applications, the part remains in effect in all valid applications that are severable from the invalid applications.

NEW SECTION. Section 52. Effective dates -- applicability. (1) If approved by the electorate, this act is effective on approval by the electorate, except as provided in subsection (2), and applies to motor vehicle registration periods beginning after December 31, 2000.

(2) [Sections 12, 13, and 46] are effective January 1, 2001.

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