Senate Bill 204, a proposal that would limit the duration of certain local mill levies and require reauthorization by voters, passed second reading after an extended floor debate and an amendment carving out many essential public services.

The bill originally proposed to require voter reapproval for some existing levies and to terminate some levies unless extended before the termination date. Senator Jennifer Hertz, the bill sponsor, brought a floor amendment that exempts school levies, community college levies, law enforcement, fire protection and emergency medical services levies from the new reauthorization requirement.

Why it matters: The measure is aimed at giving property taxpayers more frequent choices about non‑core levies (for example parks and recreation or other special purpose levies). Supporters called it “voter choice” and argued it will return more control to taxpayers. Opponents said it would tie the hands of local elected officials, increase election costs, disrupt budgets for essential services, and shift fiscal uncertainty to counties and cities.

Key points from the debate

- Sponsor’s intent: Sen. Jennifer Hertz said the bill “gives the voters a choice” about levies that accumulate on top of other property taxes and said the amendment addresses many earlier complaints.

- Local government concerns: Several senators (including members who represent growing urban areas) argued the bill would create budget uncertainty for local governments, hamper planning for infrastructure and services, and produce added election costs.

- Exemptions and amendment: Senators negotiated a major amendment that carved out school levies, certain community college levies and essential emergency services. That amendment passed on the floor 48‑2.

Floor actions and outcomes

- Amendment SP0204.001.005 (sponsor: Sen. Hertz) — posted and deemed read; sponsor described the change as exempting school, law enforcement, fire and emergency medical levies; amendment adopted on a recorded vote of 48 ayes, 2 nays.

- Motion to recommend passage (as amended) — Senate Bill 204 passed second reading on a recorded vote of 30 ayes and 20 nays. The transcript shows Senators debated the merits at length before the final vote.

What to watch next: The bill will go to third reading if the sponsor pursues final passage on the floor. Local governments and school districts that track levy elections should review the final bill language and implementation timetable if the measure advances.

Statements from the floor (excerpted):

- “This bill just won't die. ... I think we have a good bill in its current format right now,” Sen. Hertz said while describing the amendment and her outreach to communities.

- “We here in Helena should not be tying the hands of local citizens and their elected officials,” Sen. Sarah Pope said in opposition, noting the cost and critical services funded locally.

Votes at the end of the hearing were recorded on the Senate floor and entered in the journal as required.