BEFORE THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

OF THE STATE OF MONTANA

 

In the matter of the adoption of NEW RULE I pertaining to the administration of the Tourism Development and Enhancement Revolving Loan Fund

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NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON PROPOSED ADOPTION

 

TO: All Concerned Persons

 

1. On June 27, 2024, at 10:00 a.m., the Department of Commerce (department) will hold a public hearing via zoom to consider the proposed adoption of the above-stated rule.

 

Video:

 

https://mt-gov.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_UniPFR5mRSqvDxjJv9SGYQ

 

2. The department will make reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities who wish to participate in this process or need an alternative accessible format of this notice.  If you require accommodation, please contact the department by 5:00 p.m. on June 25, 2024, to advise us of the nature of the accommodation you are requesting.  Contact the Department of Commerce, 301 South Park Avenue, P.O. Box 200501, Helena, Montana, 59620-0501; telephone (406) 841-2596; fax (406) 841-2771; TDD (406) 841-2702; or e-mail [email protected].

 

3. The proposed rule is as follows:

 

NEW RULE I  INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE OF RULES GOVERNING THE GUIDELINES FOR THE TOURISM DEVELOPMENT AND ENHANCEMENT REVOLVING LOAN FUND (1)  The department adopts and incorporates by reference Guidelines for the Tourism Development and Enhancement Revolving Loan Fund as rules governing how the department will administer the program.  

(2)  Copies of the Guidelines may be obtained from the department's Brand MT Division, Office of Tourism, 301 South Park Avenue, P.O. Box 200501, Helena, Montana, 59620-0501, or on its web site at https://brand.mt.gov/Programs/Office-Of-Tourism/Tourism-Grant-Program.   

  

AUTH: 90-1-122, MCA

IMP:  90-1-122, MCA

 

REASON: The proposed rule is necessary to implement and administer the Tourism Development and Enhancement Revolving Loan Fund in accordance with SB 540, which was enacted by the 2023 Montana Legislature.

 

Section (1)(d) of SB 540 authorizes the department to provide revolving loan programs and regional tourism assistance to support Montana tourism.  

 

The department proposes adopting NEW RULE I, which incorporates by reference the Guidelines.  The proposed Guidelines can be reviewed on the department's web site at https://brand.mt.gov/Programs/Office-Of-Tourism/Tourism-Grant-Program.  Interested persons may comment on the Guidelines in accordance with this notice.

 

Adopting the Guidelines is necessary to provide public notice on how the department plans to administer the Tourism Development and Enhancement Revolving Loan Fund Program in compliance with SB 540.

 

4. Concerned persons may present their data, views, or arguments either orally or in writing at the hearing. Written data, views, or arguments may also be submitted to the Department of Commerce, Legal Department, 301 South Park Avenue, P.O. Box 200501, Helena, Montana 59620-0533; telephone (406) 841-2596; fax (406) 841-2871; TDD (406) 841-2702; or e-mail [email protected], and must be received no later than 5:00 p.m., July 5, 2024.

 

5. The department's Office of Legal Affairs will preside over and conduct this hearing.

 

6. The department maintains a list of interested persons who wish to receive notices of rulemaking actions proposed by this agency.  Persons who wish to have their name added to the list shall make a written request that includes the name, e-mail, and mailing address of the person to receive notices and specifies for which program the person wishes to receive notices.  Notices will be sent by e-mail unless a mailing preference is noted in the request.  Written requests may be mailed or delivered to the contact person in paragraph 4 above or may be made by completing a request form at any rules hearing held by the department.

 

7. The bill sponsor contact requirements of 2-4-302, MCA, apply and have been fulfilled.  The primary bill sponsor of SB 540, Representative Daniel Zolnikov, was contacted on May 28, 2024, by e-mail at [email protected].

 

8. With regard to the requirements of 2-4-111, MCA, the department has determined that adopting the above-referenced rule will not significantly and directly impact small businesses.

 

 

/s/ John Semmens                                                   /s/ Mandy Rambo                            

JOHN SEMMENS                                                    MANDY RAMBO

Rule Reviewer                                                          Deputy Director

                                                                                 Department of Commerce

                                                                                   

Certified to the Secretary of State May 28, 2024.