MT HB379

Eliminates public auction requirements for state land sales, replacing them with a general "public sale" process where the department determines advertising methods in the best interest of trust beneficiaries

Expands the definition of "commercial purpose" for state trust land leases to include development of real property for eventual residential, industrial, or commercial use and sale

Requires purchasers to pay the full purchase price on the day of sale, removing the previous option to pay a 10% minimum down payment with the balance due within 30-60 days

Allows lessees and the department to negotiate written agreements on infrastructure costs, improvement settlements, and sale preparation cost reimbursements

Repeals seven sections of existing law governing certificates of purchase, including provisions on interest computation, payment schedules, default procedures, and certificate assignment