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Montana Supreme Court Denies Gov. Gianforte's Request to Expedite Property Tax Lawsuit
Justices said the district court can resolve the property tax challenge in time and allow appeal, leaving the case under normal review.
- On Tuesday, the Montana Supreme Court unanimously rejected Governor Greg Gianforte's request to expedite a lawsuit challenging Senate Bill 542, ruling he failed to demonstrate the emergency required to bypass the district court.
- Greg Hertz and Tom McGillvray, alongside former legislator Keith Regier, filed the lawsuit in Gallatin County District Court, alleging Senate Bill 542 violates the state Constitution and represents an 'illegal backroom deal' that unfairly excluded public input.
- Governor Gianforte argued the lawsuit could invalidate tax rates and jeopardize $95 million in rebates, noting his 2025 property tax relief legislation benefited 80% of Montana homeowners.
- Representing the plaintiffs, attorney Matthew Monforton stated the court's order reflects on the legislation, characterizing the bill as a 'rushed rewrite' that 'couldn't survive normal scrutiny.'
- The Supreme Court's order noted nothing prevents the Legislature from considering district court issues to guide its 2027 bill process, though officials warn future tax laws remain at risk of similar lengthy litigation.
11 Articles
11 Articles
The Billings Gazette
Montana Supreme Court denies Gov. Gianforte's request to expedite property tax lawsuit
After Gianforte urged the Montana Supreme Court to expedite a property tax case, the high court said the lower courts could handle the matter, and that the governor did not prove that there were exigent circumstances.
Bozeman Daily Chronicle
Montana Supreme Court denies governor’s request to take up property tax case
Gianforte told the high court that as much as $95 million in tax rebates could be at stake.
Montana Supreme Court denies governor's request to take up property tax case
The Great Seal of the State of Montana in the Supreme Court (Photo by Eric Seidle/ For the Daily Montanan).The Montana Supreme Court dismissed Tuesday a petition from Gov. Greg Gianforte that it take control of a property tax lawsuit over Senate Bill 542. An order signed by all justices said Gianforte had not demonstrated why the matter was so urgent that it needed to bypass the district court and normal appeals process. Senate Bill 542 was one …
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