That’s a wrap on the 2025 legislative session! I believe we delivered legislation that prioritizes Montanans and their way of life.
We passed legislation that aims to lower property and income taxes for hardworking residents, protect access to healthcare while keeping our rural hospitals open, and invest in students and schools. Additionally, we established a balanced, conservative budget that funds essential services, reduces taxes, and saves for the future.
I am particularly proud of the accomplishments of the education committee. We successfully passed the STARS Act, which will invest in higher starting salaries for teachers and reward schools for dual-credit and advanced placement opportunities and increase maintenance funding.
In the State Administration committee, we worked on important bills to further build on election integrity and provide efficiency across government. My commitment to protecting law enforcement led me to sponsor bills aimed at safeguarding law enforcement pensions to enhance retention and recruitment efforts.
I also sponsored House Bill 185, which will allow property owners who have experienced petroleum tank releases to access the Petroleum Tank Release Fund, aiding them in cleaning up their sites. I cosponsored HB 717 with Representative John Fitzpatrick which provides mining sites that deal with “bad actors” a path forward to new ownership.
I continue to advocate for HB 740, which is on the governor’s desk awaiting his action. This important bill supports our independent pharmacies by ensuring transparent prescription pricing and fair reimbursement rates by Pharmacy Benefit Managers.
Across many tax bills, the tax committee explored various solutions to the property tax issue, culminating in Senate Bill 542. This bill will lower agriculture, commercial, and residential property tax rates and provide Montanans with a $400 rebate in the first year. The bill includes a three-tiered, graduated tax rate for residential properties and provides relief for long-term rentals. Jefferson County should see an 11% property tax reduction next year and around 25% in 2026.
A record of more than 1,750 bills were introduced this session, and more than 800 passed. I was laser-focused on making a positive difference for Jefferson County. It has been an honor to serve you, my constituents, these past four months. This is the best I have felt leaving a session. We put in long hours, and I think the changes made across the board will have a positive impact for Montanans.
My goal was to leave you and your family in a better situation than when we started. Thanks to immediate property tax relief, smart investments in education, infrastructure, and healthcare, and the passage of a fiscally responsible and balanced budget, I’m confident Montana’s best days lie ahead.
Marta Bertoglio represents House District 75. Contact her at marta.bertoglio@legmt.gov.
