HELENA, Mont.— Montana Senate President Pro Tempore Ken Bogner, R-Miles City, is presenting legislation this morning to protect the state’s land from foreign ownership.
Senate Bill 306 would strengthen Montana’s tax deed process by preventing companies that are not based in the U.S. or subject to U.S. jurisdiction from purchasing tax liens that could lead to property ownership.
“Montana’s land should belong to those who live, work, and invest in our communities—not foreign entities looking to turn a profit,” said Bogner. “This bill is a commonsense step to protect our sovereignty and ensure Montana property stays in the hands of those who uphold our values.”
Under current law, when property owners fail to pay taxes, counties auction off tax liens to the highest bidder to recover lost revenue. However, loopholes in the system have allowed foreign entities—including those with ties to adversarial governments—to purchase Montana land through tax deeds, with no vested interest in the state’s economy or way of life.
SB 306 is being heard in the Senate Tax Committee this morning.
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What’s the group buying up MT land that’s a land trust…isn’t it foreign based??