The Local Government Interim Committee opened a 30 day public comment period on legislative proposals related to the Multifamily Coal Trust Home Loan Program, local fire protection authorities, and the MSU Local Government Center. Please submit your comments by August 24 by emailing them to toni.henneman@mt.gov and indicate in the subject line the PD number of the bill draft(s) on which you're commenting.

Links to each draft are provided below for your review.

• Reauthorize funding for the Multifamily Coal Trust Home Loan Program (PD9)
• Local fire protection authorities (PD3TH)
• Funding for the MSU Local Government Center (PD3JJ)

The LGIC will review public comments received at its last scheduled meeting of the interim on September 9 before deciding whether to forward the proposals to the 2021 Legislature for consideration.

The committee discussed other topics at its July 14 & 15 meeting that did not result in legislation at this time. The Local Government Services Bureau of the Department of Administration provided an update on COVID-related reimbursements to local governments, a program they will continue to administer. A lengthy discussion on workforce housing tax credits and a potential bill draft was held, but ultimately the committee voted to not pursue the topic further. The Legislative Fiscal Division provided an update on a local government data reporting project, which the committee moved to continue investigating. Lastly, the committee heard from the Flathead Basin Commission and moved to send a letter to Director Tubbs of the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation regarding funding for failed on-site wastewater systems.  

For more information, contact the committee's staff or visit its website:
Committee staff: Toni Henneman, toni.henneman@mt.gov, 406-444-3593
Committee website: https://leg.mt.gov/committees/interim/2019lgic/