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69th Legislature HJ 61
- 1 - Authorized Print Version – HJ 61
ENROLLED BILL
A JOINT RESOLUTION OF THE SENATE AND THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF
MONTANA REQUESTING AN INTERIM STUDY ON THE PROPERTY INSURANCE MARKET IN MONTANA;
AND REQUIRING THAT THE FINAL RESULTS OF THE STUDY BE REPORTED TO THE 70TH
LEGISLATURE.
WHEREAS, the increasing costs of insurance are further exacerbating major housing affordability
challenges in Montana for homeowners, landlords, and tenants; and
WHEREAS, high property insurance premiums hurt Montana businesses; and
WHEREAS, property insurance rates have been increasing significantly for all Montanans, regardless
of where they live; and
WHEREAS, Montana had the fifth-fastest increase in rates in the nation in 2024, and Montana’s
cumulative increases in insurance rates from 2019 to 2024 were 44.3%; and
WHEREAS, from 2012 to 2022, the percentage increase in Montana’s insurance premiums, as tracked
by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, has outpaced a national increase in rates, increasing
twice as fast as the national average in 5 of those 10 years; and
WHEREAS, the coverage provided by insurers is simultaneously shrinking for homeowners and
businesses despite the rapidly rising rates of property insurance; and
WHEREAS, Montana home values are rising unrelentingly, with the Montana Department of Revenue
reporting that the median residential property value increased by 32% in 2023 alone and with the Montana
Department of Labor reporting increases in home values of 5% to 25% each year compared to the preceding
decade from 2012 to 2022; and
WHEREAS, the rising cost of insurance may lead to difficulties in obtaining mortgages as financial
institutions become increasingly hesitant to approve loans in regions facing high insurance risks; and
69th Legislature HJ 61
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ENROLLED BILL
WHEREAS, Montana has the second-highest risk in the nation for catastrophic wildfire impacts on
property, and some insurers are withdrawing from high-risk areas, leaving homeowners to take on more risk or
face higher premiums; and
WHEREAS, 7% of U.S. homeowners lack insurance, with higher rates in Montana than in many other
states; and
WHEREAS, Montana’s Indian and other minority populations, face disproportionately high risks from
wildfires and may struggle to afford rising insurance premiums or recover from losses; and
WHEREAS, Montana experienced 2,388 wildfires in 2024, which burned 387,966 acres, and of the
11.7 million recorded acres burned in the past 138 years, 70% have burned since 2000 and roughly half of the
acres burned prior to 2000 were in a single year, 1910, which demonstrates the increasing frequency and
financial burden of wildfires in the state; and
WHEREAS, the number of homes in high wildfire risk areas in Montana has doubled since 1990, with
development continuing at a rate of 450 homes a year, increasing the risk and cost of fire suppression; and
WHEREAS, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners reports that insurers have
experienced losses in 4 of the past 5 years, with insurers in Montana reporting losses in 3 of the past 5 years,
leading to higher premiums and reduced coverage; and
WHEREAS, according to the U.S. International Trade Commission, reinsurance costs had increased by
as much as 50% at the January 2024 renewals, and it is challenging for some carriers to even find reinsurance.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE AND THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF
THE STATE OF MONTANA:
That the Legislative Council be requested to designate an appropriate interim committee, pursuant to
section 5-5-217, MCA, to:
(1) evaluate the causes of Montana’s increasing property insurance;
(2) determine the impact of these causes on rates; and
(3) analyze policy strategies that could stabilize the property insurance market and develop
property insurance approaches for more accessible and affordable property insurance in the state.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that all aspects of the study, including presentation and review
69th Legislature HJ 61
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ENROLLED BILL
requirements, be concluded prior to September 15, 2026.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the final results of the study, including any findings, conclusions,
comments, or recommendations of the appropriate committee, be reported to the 70th Legislature.
- END -
I hereby certify that the within bill,
HJ 61, originated in the House.
___________________________________________
Chief Clerk of the House
___________________________________________
Speaker of the House
Signed this _______________________________day
of____________________________________, 2025.
___________________________________________
President of the Senate
Signed this _______________________________day
of____________________________________, 2025.
HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 61
INTRODUCED BY J. SECKINGER, D. EMRICH, P. FLOWERS, D. HAYMAN, D. FERN, D. HARVEY, B.
BEARD, S. FITZPATRICK, B. BARKER, L. BREWSTER, J. COHENOUR, J. DARLING, B. EDWARDS, P.
ELVERUM, T. FRANCE, S. GIST, L. JONES, B. MERCER, R. MINER, G. NIKOLAKAKOS, M. NIKOLAKAKOS,
G. OBLANDER, G. OVERSTREET, G. PARRY, C. SCHOMER, C. SPRUNGER, E. STAFMAN
A JOINT RESOLUTION OF THE SENATE AND THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF
MONTANA REQUESTING AN INTERIM STUDY ON THE PROPERTY INSURANCE MARKET IN MONTANA;
AND REQUIRING THAT THE FINAL RESULTS OF THE STUDY BE REPORTED TO THE 70TH
LEGISLATURE.