HELENA – School advocates are suing the state over new cabin site lease rules they say don’t provide enough revenue to schools.
The higher education system and others had warned a lawsuit was likely after lawmakers intervened last year on behalf of cabin site lessees and forced the state to charge less for the prized spots.
Just last month, the Montana Land Board implemented new lease rules as a result of the legislation. But the holders of the cabin sites argued the state is still charging too much.
But school advocates known as MonTRUST filed a lawsuit Thursday arguing the new rules don’t charge full market value as ordered by past courts.
Montana Gov. Brian Schweitzer said Friday the lawsuit was expected after lawmakers caved to cabin site holders.