Please follow us on X and Telegram.

If there’s anything some politicians fear more than the loss of campaign donations, it’s accountability for their votes. On April 16, Representatives Gregg of White Sulphur Springs and Sprunger of Kalispell walked out immediately after the third-reading bill votes and before the next order of business, general motions.

The members of the House knew one of the motions would be to attempt to force Senate Bill 90 out of committee and to a floor debate so all 100 legislators could debate the bill’s merits rather than have it remain stuck in committee. SB90 would create a trust fund in perpetuity for the purpose of providing refunds to property taxpayers. The trust fund was to be sourced from bed taxes and other sources. Taxpayers would see rebates up to $500 per property, with the potential for more, as the funds would also accrue interest in the coal trust. The Sentinel talked to sources in the House who highlighted that this was an intentional act to avoid having to vote yes or no on the motion and evade accountability.

SB90 was not in competition with other property tax bills and provided the only permanent property tax relief.

The 2025 legislative session will likely conclude between 26 and 29 April, with few opportunities to meaningfully affect property taxes.

‘NO AD’ subscription for CDM!  Sign up here and support real investigative journalism and help save the republic!‘