Montana land should belong to Montanans, not foreign entities

Montana’s land is more than just acres on a map; it’s our heritage, our livelihood, and our future. Yet, for too long, our tax deed process has left the door wide open for foreign entities to scoop up property at the expense of Montanans. With Senate Bill 306, we’re taking a stand to ensure that our land remains in the hands of those who live, work, and contribute to our country. 

Under current law, when property owners fail to pay their taxes, counties auction off tax liens to the highest bidder. That’s a necessary process to ensure local governments can fund essential services. But here’s the problem: foreign entities, including those with ties to adversarial governments, have been able to exploit this system by acquiring Montana land through tax deeds. These absentee owners have no stake in our communities and no commitment to our way of life. That needs to change. 

SB 306 strengthens Montana’s tax deed process by prohibiting companies not based in the U.S. or subject to U.S. jurisdiction from purchasing tax liens that could lead to property ownership. This ensures our land remains in the hands of those who respect and uphold Montana values.