State of Montana Newsroom
Governor Gianforte Praises Montana Supreme Court Ruling Upholding Pro-Housing Reforms
HELENA, Mont. – Governor Greg Gianforte today praised a unanimous ruling from the Montana Supreme Court that upheld three pro-housing reforms from his bipartisan Housing Task Force, which were passed by the Legislature and he signed into law.
“Homeownership is a key part of the American dream,” Gov. Gianforte said. “Today’s decision by the Montana Supreme Court is a landmark victory for hardworking Montana families and our work to increase the supply of affordable, attainable housing. By upholding the constitutionality of our reforms, it will help bring the American dream into greater reach for Montanans across our state.”
Spearheading efforts to resolve the housing supply shortage, the governor launched a diverse, bipartisan Housing Task Force in July 2022. The Task Force produced three reports that identified problems at the root of the state’s housing shortage and provided solutions that could be implemented administratively or through changes to law.
Senate Bill 323 allowed duplex housing in city zoning, while Senate Bill 528 restored landowners’ rights to build affordable starter homes by allowing accessory dwelling units. Senate Bill 382 broadly reaffirms landowners’ rights to construct affordable starter homes, establishes pro-housing reform options local governments must select from to encourage housing development, and requires local governments to reform zoning regulations to meet future housing needs.
More information about Gov. Gianforte’s Housing Task Force is available here.
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