MT SJ44

Requests the Legislative Council to assign an interim or statutory committee to conduct a study of affordable housing programs, with results reported to the 70th Legislature

Study would evaluate whether local, state, and federal government programs add costs to affordable housing construction compared to nonsubsidized projects

Requires a cost-benefit analysis of state affordable housing programs, including HB 819 from the 2023 session, the Coal Trust Multifamily Homes loan program, and Board of Housing programs

Study must compare housing choice voucher programs to construction subsidy programs and identify which programs have been most successful at reducing housing costs in Montana

Stakeholder engagement required with Department of Commerce, Board of Housing, Board of Investments, Governor's Office of Economic Development, private developers, contractors, and housing organizations, with completion deadline of September 15, 2026