Montana Democratic lawmakers are preparing a legislative push for 2027 centered on the rising cost of living, proposing bans on “surveillance pricing” in grocery stores and corporate ownership of residential real estate. In a press conference held Tuesday at the state Capitol, legislative leaders outlined a strategy to combat the climbing prices of food, housing, and energy that they argue have grown out of reach for the average income earner.
The effort arrives as Montanans face a squeeze on basic necessities. While Rep. Kelly Kortum, who is running for state Senate representing part of Bozeman, admitted that many price hikes are driven by global supply chains and international policies beyond the reach of the state capitol, he argued that the legislature must take every possible step to ensure the state remains affordable for its residents.
Stopping algorithms from setting grocery prices
One of the most specific targets in the Democratic platform is the use of artificial intelligence and personal data to determine the price of food. Sen. Laura Smith, D-Helena, introduced a proposal to prohibit grocery chains from using personal data and AI algorithms to fix prices differently for different people—similar to how “dynamic pricing” is used in the airline and ride-share industries.
The concern stems from the industry shift toward digital shelf tags, which allow stores to change prices instantly. Lawmakers worry that personal data and purchasing history could be used to cater prices to individuals based on their projected income or the time of day.
Smith said that Montanans deserve to be protected from algorithms controlled by large businesses with no accountability to the average shopper, adding that it is a phrase she never thought she would have to say in regular life or as a legislator: “I do not want robots choosing the price of your groceries.”
This is not an isolated legislative trend. Connecticut and Maryland have already enacted laws banning the use of personal data in grocery pricing, and Seattle recently adopted a ban on “surveillance pricing.” However, the approach isn’t universally accepted; Colorado Jared Polis previously vetoed similar legislation, arguing the rules were too broad and might actually prevent stores from lowering prices in certain scenarios.
Curbing corporate ownership of homes
Housing affordability remains a critical flashpoint, particularly in high-demand areas like Bozeman and the Flathead Valley, where home prices have surged well beyond local wage growth. Sen. Jacinda Morigeau, D-Arlee, is proposing a ban on private equity firms and institutional investors from owning residential real estate, including mobile home parks.
The stakes are high for low-income residents. Morigeau cited reporting from Lee Enterprises indicating that approximately 30 mobile home parks in Montana—representing about 3,900 homes—are owned by private equity firms. Nationally, estimates suggest these firms own roughly 13% of all apartment units.
The goal is to shift the market back toward local ownership. By limiting the ability of “faceless corporations” to treat homes as assets for extraction, Democrats hope to keep Montana money within the state economy. This proposal aligns with recent federal action, as Congress passed legislation this year aimed at slowing the corporate acquisition of single-family homes.
Addressing the 44% jump in energy costs
The third pillar of the 2027 priority list focuses on utility costs. Rep. Peter Strand of Bozeman highlighted a stark statistic: energy bills for customers of Northwestern Energy, the state’s monopoly utility, have jumped approximately 44% over the last four years.
To counter this, Democrats are proposing the “Efficiency First Act.” Rather than simple price caps, the bill suggests a public-private partnership to modernize the energy grid. The plan includes:
- Prioritizing investments in grid resiliency and the modernization of substations.
- Expanding weatherization programs.
- Incentivizing the adoption of smart thermostats and heat pumps to reduce overall energy demand.
Strand, a teacher, noted that for many families, these costs aren’t just numbers on a bill but a choice between heating a home and buying groceries.
The political reality of 2027
Despite the specificity of these proposals, the path to becoming law is steep. Republicans are projected to hold majorities in both chambers of the legislature when the session begins on Jan. 4. The success of these bills will depend entirely on the willingness of the GOP majority to negotiate on affordability.
A spokesperson for Senate Republicans told the Daily Montanan that they are interested in hearing the ideas and engaging in “good-faith discussions” regarding affordability policy. Whether that interest translates into legislative action remains the central question for the upcoming session.
