New Year, New Laws In Montana

Now that it's 2026, some new laws will go into effect here in Big Sky Country.

First, it should be noted that new laws normally go into practice at the beginning of the new year, however, there will be new laws for 2026 going into affect towards the end of the year. Looking at an overview of what is happening here in Montana, it seems that the majority of the most talked about new laws deal with property taxes, which have been a hot topic around the state.

READ MORE: One of Montana's most popular cities is ranked the poorest. 

Let's take a look at the changes in property taxes in Montana for 2026:

• Reduced Rates for Primary Residence/Long-Term Rentals: This will certainly come as good news to many Montana residents. The way that it is written appears to be that a resident is considered someone who lives in Montana for 7 plus months out of the year.
• Higher Rates for other Properties: For those folks who have second homes, vacation homes, or short-term rentals (think AirBnB, VRBO) will face a 1.9 percent flat tax on the full assessed value, which will, in return, increase what they owe.

Property taxes weren't the only laws that changed; minimum wage in Montana also increased.

• Minimum Wage: The minimum wage increased by 30 cents per hour from 10.55 per hour to 10.85 per hour.

For those of you who hunt, there are a few new laws for 2026 as well, including hunts for black bear, mountain lion, and deer and elk. For those who are interested in the regulations and hunting updates, be sure to get in touch with Montana FWP.

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What laws would you like to see changed in Montana? Do you have one in particular you would like to see change? Please send us a message on our app and let us know.