HELENA, Mont. — February 18, 2025 — On February 19, Representative Courtenay Sprunger will present House Bill 483, known as The Right Back Act, to the Montana House Taxation Committee. The proposed legislation delivers immediate, substantial and sustained property tax relief by returning surplus revenue from the uniform 95 school equalization mills back to Montana taxpayers.
The return will come through paying down big ticket line items on every Montana property tax payer’s county tax bill like school transportation and teacher retirement, all while preserving essential school funding.
"Montana’s families deserve a fair tax system and well-funded schools.House Bill 483 sends money right back where it belongs—into the pockets of taxpayers—while keeping our constitutional promises to Montana’s students," Rep. Sprunger concluded.
Key Provisions of House Bill 483: The Right Back Act
Direct Property Tax Relief: Excess revenue from the 95 school equalization mills will lower local school district and county levies, resulting in immediate and transparent tax relief.
Stable School Funding: The bill locks in the 95 mills as a primary, stable funding source for schools, preventing disparities in educational opportunities regardless of district wealth.
Timely response: Revenue growth exceeding 5% above the state commitment to school funding collected from the 95 mills will be returned to taxpayers through a buy down of permissive mills on their county tax bill, balancing Montana’s constitutional obligations for equitable education funding with fair taxation.
Modernized Transportation Support: For the first time in 20 years, state reimbursement rates for school transportation will increase, offering $18 million in immediate relief and reducing pressure on local budgets by 2026.
GTB Lag Safeguards: Built-in safeguards will prevent tax spikes between reappraisal
cycles—commonly known as GTB lag—ensuring predictable tax rates for Montanans.
HB 483 builds upon the groundwork laid by House Bill 587 in 2023, incorporating lessons learned from recent unprecedented fluctuations in property values.
"This legislation strikes the right balance between maintaining Montana’s constitutional commitment to adequately and equitably fund schools and delivering critical tax relief for Montana homeowners," added Rep. Sprunger. "It’s a pro-family, pro-community approach that reduces taxes for everyday Montanans while continuing to ensure that students from Kalispell to Culbertson receive equal educational opportunities."
Hearing Details:
Bill: House Bill 483 — The Right Back Act
Committee: Montana State House Taxation Committee
Date: February 19, 2025
Location: Montana State Capitol, Helena
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