Walsh Legislative Report
- May 10
- 2 min read
Rep. Ken Walsh: Delivering Tax Relief & Conservation Wins in Montana
By Representative Kenneth Walsh, House District 69
The 69th Montana Legislative Session wrapped up on April 30th, marking the 85th day of productive debate and policymaking. As a third-term member of the House of Representatives, I am proud of the work accomplished to ease financial burdens, cut taxes, and expand conservation efforts for Montanans.
Historic Property Tax Relief
One of the most significant achievements this session was passing Senate Bill 542 and House Bill 231, providing much-needed property tax relief. Senate Bill 542 delivers a $400 rebate to Montana property taxpayers next year, while House Bill 231 restructures residential property tax rates, bringing substantial cuts:
0.76% on the first $400,000 of property value
1.1% on values between $400,001 and $1.5 million
2.2% on property above $1.5 million
These reforms will result in average property tax savings of 34% compared to last year and 40% compared to what taxes would have been under previous laws. Importantly, this package protects Montana’s agriculture and industry sectors from rate hikes, ensuring fairness across all communities.
The Largest Income Tax Cut in State History
Tax relief didn’t stop at property taxes—House Bill 337 introduced major reductions in income tax rates to help working families across Montana. The new tax structure will lower rates from 5.9% to 5.65% in 2026, followed by a drop to 5.44% in 2027.
For families filing jointly, the threshold for a higher tax rate jumps from $41,000 to $95,000 in 2026, and to $130,000 in 2027—a significant win for working-class Montanans.
Expanding Conservation Efforts
One of my proudest accomplishments this session was House Bill 932, which I sponsored and successfully sent to the governor’s desk. This bill unlocks new opportunities for conservation funding by expanding the use of revenue from the state’s marijuana tax special account. Previously, these funds were restricted to land purchases and easements, but now, they can be used for critical environmental projects such as:
Irrigation infrastructure
Forest management and prescribed burns
Noxious weed mitigation
Wetland protection
Wildlife crossings
Riparian protection and repair
Wildlife friendly fencing
Range and soil management practices
By empowering conservation districts, private landowners, and public land users alike, HB 932 marks a significant victory for Montana’s natural resources.
Looking Ahead
This session was one for the books, filled with challenges and triumphs alike. I am honored to serve alongside dedicated legislators on both sides of the aisle, and I remain committed to representing House District 69 with integrity.
As we move into the interim, I encourage all Montanans to stay engaged and share their concerns, ideas, and priorities. Your voice matters in shaping the future of our state, and I look forward to continuing this work for the people of Montana.
Representative Ken Walsh
406-596-0418
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