Taxes, outdoor recreation and megaload bills pass

The 64th Montana Legislature has completed its fifth week. Congressman Ryan Zinke addressed a joint session of the House and Senate on Jan. 30. The theme of his talk was Washington is broken, but it can be fixed.

Some bills of interest to the Flathead Valley that passed the House in the last two weeks are House Bills 166, 169, 204 and 222.

HB 166 would permanently lower each of the seven state income tax brackets by one-tenth of a percent. About two-thirds of all taxpayers are in the top income bracket. This bill will leave around $20 million a year in taxpayers’ pockets. HB 166 passed its third reading with a 56-41 vote.

HB 169 would create a temporary credit for property tax on a taxpayer’s residence and would temporarily reduce income tax rates for 2015 and 2016. It would leave $25.8 million in taxpayers’ pockets in 2016 and $51.7 million in 2017. HB 169 passed its third reading with a 57-41 vote.

HB 204 would revise laws relating to liability wavers and releases to limit liability for damages or injuries sustained from participating in sports or recreational opportunities. Many outfitters and companies that provide outdoor adventures in the Flathead support this bill. It passed its third reading with a 69-31 vote.

HB 222 would reduce fees collected from certain local governments that currently collect fees for oversized loads. This bill would have the Montana Department of Transportation be the sole agency to permit megaloads similar to the one that came through the Flathead Valley last summer. It passed its third reading with a 73-27 vote.

These bills are now on their way to the Senate. You can contact your senator with your thoughts. The full text of these bills and others can be seen by going online at www.leg.mt.gov.

Rep. Keith Regier, R-Kalispell, is the House Majority Leader and represents House District 4.