Montana bill aims to limit nonprofit land buys; opponents see infringement on property rights

Opponent: ‘This erodes private property rights”

That was the one thing both opponents and proponents seemed to agree on — the bill would stop ag land sales.

Brett Doney, the chief executive of the Great Falls Development Authority, said that the change in the law could cost his area millions. He warned legislators if the law passes, the community would lose a $2.1 million food processing plant that is secured with ag land.

“If you pass it, it will kill it,” Doney said.

The Montana Legislature – Property rights are fundamental to a free society — and to conservation

In Montana, conservative legislators have proposed a bill that would bar nonprofit organizations from purchasing land from willing sellers at a fair price. If enacted, the law