Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
Montana politics, elections and legislative news

Controversial proposal that would cap property taxes appears to have failed

A proposed constitutional initiative that would have capped property taxes for residential owners has not garnered the signatures needed to appear on the November ballot, according to unofficial results from the Montana Secretary of State’s office.

The controversial proposal drew criticism from a broad coalition of opponents who worried about the financial impacts on local governments and the services they provide. Opponents also expressed concerns about business owners, who would have been exempt from the cap.

The proposal needed 60,000 signatures to get on the ballot. Unofficial results show roughly 5,000 valid signatures were obtained.

Matthew Montforton, a Bozeman attorney and former Republican lawmaker, spearheaded the effort to cap property taxes. In a statement, he said the state Legislature is “addicted to overtaxing homeowners” and that the problem is not going away.

Supporters of the proposal plan to circulate the initiative for reconsideration again next spring, Montforton said.

Shaylee covers state government and politics for Montana Public Radio. Please share tips, questions and concerns at 406-539-1677 or shaylee.ragar@mso.umt.edu.  
Explore the places where we come together and fall apart. The Wide Open brings nuanced reporting on under-covered environmental issues. Our deep storytelling provides context to the forces shaping our lives — with plenty of adventure, wildlife and rich sound along the way.
Become a sustaining member for as low as $5/month
Make an annual or one-time donation to support MTPR
Pay an existing pledge or update your payment information