HB 280 - Long term property tax relief for homeowners and renters. This bill passed the Tax Committee on a bipartisan vote and would have provided homeowners and renters with an income tax credit if property tax rises above a certain portion of their income. For many Missoula families, this would be more substantial property tax relief than any other proposal offered and at a lower cost to the state. The legislation earned support from both parties on the House Floor, but did not get enough Republican votes to pass. Jonathan is working during the interim on a bipartisan property tax solution.

HB 252 - Youth mental health screening and care. This bill allocated funding for schools to screen and connect students in need with mental health and community resources. HB 252 had dozens of Montanans testify in support, including rural school superintendents, high school students, and mental health professionals. The bill passed the Health and Human Services Committee on a strong bipartisan vote, but failed 2nd reading in the House on a narrow 49-51 vote. Fortunately, the Governor announced that he would fund the same program in the same amount as HB 252 would have.

HB 258 - Property tax rebate for homeowners and renters. Unlike the Republican rebate plan which excluded renters, Jonathan brought a bill that included renters using existing definitions of rent-equivalent property tax. While this bill had bipartisan support, it was killed by Republicans on the Appropriations Committee in favor of legislation that excludes renters.

HB 889 (passed the legislature but vetoed by Gov. Gianforte) - This bill provides numerous protections for Montanans living in mobile home parks. The bill passed the House and Senate with almost 2/3rd of all legislators voting in support of the bill. Unfortunately, Gov. Gianforte vetoed the bill citing concern that it would burden park owners.

HB 465 - This bill passed the legislature and was signed into law by Gov. Gianforte. It unlocks funding for Missoula and other local governments to use for building permit review and approval. The legislation was strongly supported by the City of Missoula, industry, and housing stakeholders.

House Bill 421 - This bill would have required financial institutions to report cases of suspected financial exploitation. The legislation was supported by AARP, Big Sky 55+, Disability Rights MT, and other consumer protection organizations. I am continuing to be in touch with stakeholders to do everything possible to protect Montanans from fraudulent practices.

House Bill 235 - This bill was Jonathan's fiscally responsible approach to cutting taxes that Montanans pay on Social Security benefits. This bill had support from AARP and Jonathan also presented this as an amendment to another Republican-sponsored Social Security tax bill. The legislature chose not to pass any form of a Social Security tax reduction despite bipartisan support.

House Bill 911 - would have enacted a child tax credit, property tax relief, and increased the Earned Income Tax Credit for working families. The bill would have been paid for by aligning the capital gains tax rate with wages for high earners and by adding additional top-income tax brackets above $400,000. While the bill earned Republican support in committee, it did not pass.

HB 845 - Working with Billings public defender James Reavis, this bill passed the legislature and was signed into law. The bill cut red tape for public defenders and other state employees needing to access vital legal information.

HB 773 enacted quotas for several non-resident license types that have no cap. This bill was supported by Montana Wildlife Federation, Backcountry Hunters and Anglers, and the Montana Elk Coalition.