Montana
Lawmakers advance competing property tax proposals
Republican Rep. Llew Jones of Conrad asked lawmakers to consider his property tax proposal based on its content, not politics.
“I get that some folks might be angry with me and just vote against this bill because I’m the sponsor,” Jones said.
Jones, who is an ally of Gov. Gianforte, is known to buck GOP leadership at times. He’s carrying House Bill 231, which would lower taxes for primary Montana residents and small businesses while raising taxes on second homeowners, big businesses and agricultural lands.
Gianforte called on lawmakers to pass the proposal as quickly as possible, but they’re also looking at other options — including some from Democrats.
An ethics investigation and political in-fighting are also competing for their attention.
On the Montana Talks radio show, Gianforte criticized lawmakers for not working quicker.
“I just wish the Legislature could focus on getting the work done for the people of Montana.”
Republican leaders rebuked that characterization, saying the proposal deserves careful consideration. Lawmakers also are also considering a competing bill from Democratic Rep. Mark Thane of Missoula.
The state House of Representatives advanced both bills on Wednesday. But Thane’s bill got 15 more votes than the one backed by Gianforte and Jones. Thane says the tax structure needs a rebalance.
“No additional money flowed into residential property owners’ pockets, yet overnight the property tax burden increased significantly.”
Thane’s proposal would create a straightforward, tiered property tax structure that would increase rates for higher property values. It would exempt the first $50,000 of any property and shift a higher burden onto big businesses. Agricultural lands would see a lower tax rate.
The House also endorsed a Democratic bill to create a property tax credit based on a homeowner’s or renter’s housing cost. The Senate advanced a bill to give owners of property worth $1 million or less a $200 tax credit using lodge tax revenue.
POLSON, Mont. — Two motorcyclists crashed on Highway 35 near Polson after failing to negotiate a left-hand curve, leaving one man dead and another hospitalized, according to the Montana Highway Patrol.
Two motorcycles were traveling southbound on Highway 35 when both drifted into a guardrail. Both drivers were separated from their motorcycles and ended up on the other side of the guardrail.
A 58-year-old Polson man was confirmed dead at the scene. The second driver, a 45-year-old man, also from Polson, was taken to the hospital with injuries.
Alcohol is a suspected factor in the crash, according to the Montana Highway Patrol.
The crash is under investigation.
KALISPELL — A Flathead County man is turning a personal rock bottom into a lifeline for his community by starting a free, late-night ride service to keep drunk drivers off the roads.
Adam Bruzza started Big Sky Sobriety Shuttle LLC, a free ride share service for people who have been drinking, after realizing he was struggling with addiction.
Maddie Keifer reports – watch the video here:
MT man starts free, late-night ride service to keep drunk drivers off the roads
“I just wanted to give people who do still drink the option for a safe, sober ride home,” Bruzza said.
Bruzza said a devastating mistake behind the wheel became a turning point where he decided enough was enough.
“I was charged with a DUI October 22 of 2024,” Bruzza said.
After a few months focused on his sobriety, Bruzza channeled his energy into his community by starting the shuttle service.
He operates the shuttle in his personal pickup truck. Riders can reach him by phone, text or social media at any time of day or night at no cost.
“I just wanted to give others the opportunity to not get a life changing charge,” Bruzza said.
Bruzza works with bars to connect riders with his service. Although the Big Sky Sobriety Shuttle is a new endeavor, he has already seen a big impact.
“The community response without a doubt has been unconditional love and support that makes my heart all warm and fuzzy,” Bruzza said.
Bruzza also shared a message for others who may be struggling with addiction.
“Your life is worth it, there are people that care out there and it is okay to ask for help,” Bruzza said.
To learn more, click here to visit the Facebook page.
The Montana Lottery offers multiple draw games for those aiming to win big.
Here’s a look at April 19, 2026, results for each game:
Winning Big Sky Bonus numbers from April 19 drawing
05-13-15-17, Bonus: 01
Check Big Sky Bonus payouts and previous drawings here.
Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results
When are the Montana Lottery drawings held?
- Powerball: 8:59 p.m. MT on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
- Mega Millions: 9 p.m. MT on Tuesday and Friday.
- Lucky For Life: 8:38 p.m. MT daily.
- Lotto America: 9 p.m. MT on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
- Big Sky Bonus: 7:30 p.m. MT daily.
- Powerball Double Play: 8:59 p.m. MT on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
- Montana Cash: 8 p.m. MT on Wednesday and Saturday.
- Millionaire for Life: 9:15 p.m. MT daily.
Missed a draw? Peek at the past week’s winning numbers.
This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Great Falls Tribune editor. You can send feedback using this form.
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