The House Taxation Committee of the Montana Legislature convened on March 21, 2025, to discuss House Bill 831, which aims to expand the elderly homeowner and renter credit. The meeting began with Chair Fielder inviting proponents of the bill to present their views.

Rose Bender, representing the Montana Budget and Policy Center, emphasized the regressive nature of property taxes in Montana, noting that low and moderate-income residents pay higher effective rates than wealthier individuals. She highlighted that recent reappraisals have led to significant increases in taxable values for residential properties, exacerbating the burden on these households. Bender argued that the proposed bill would help mitigate this regressivity for Montanans aged 62 and older, making property taxes more affordable through expanded tax credits.

Tim Summers, the AARP Montana state director, also voiced strong support for HB 831, representing the interests of 134,000 members. He pointed out that property taxes can be particularly burdensome for older Montanans, affecting them directly as homeowners and indirectly as renters. Summers explained that many seniors may own homes but struggle with cash flow, making it difficult to pay property taxes on an illiquid asset. He advocated for the bill as a necessary update to the existing tax credit, reflecting changes in demographics and the real estate market, including inflation and the growing older population in Montana.

The committee did not receive additional proponents in the room or online following these presentations. The discussions highlighted the importance of addressing property tax burdens for older residents, setting the stage for further deliberation on the bill's implications for Montana's tax system.