Friday, March 29, 2024
35.0°F

Evictions, utility suspensions prohibited during order

by COLIN GAISER
Daily Inter Lake | March 31, 2020 4:11 PM

Gov. Steve Bullock issued a directive on Tuesday to help Montanans who are financially stressed while the state faces a stay-at-home order.

The stay-at-home order is currently in place until April 10.

Under the directive, landlords are prevented from evicting renters who are unable to pay their rent while the stay-at-home order is in effect. The directive also prohibits late fees for renters and suspends foreclosures.

“This is not a free pass on rent or home debt,” Bullock said during a call with reporters on Tuesday afternoon. “If you can pay on time, pay on time.”

The directive will prevent utility companies from suspending services including electricity, gas, sewer, telephone and internet if a customer is unable to pay their bills during the crisis. It also pauses late fees for these services.

In addition, Bullock announced more financial assistance will be available to help hospitals – especially rural hospitals – stay open and receive important supplies.

The governor also said the Montana National Guard will be performing temperature checks on visitors arriving at airports and railroad depots. Though he is not banning visitors, Bullock is urging people not to come to the state right now.

Bullock praised all Montanans who are working on the “front lines” during the pandemic, especially grocery-store workers, gas-station employees, truck drivers, teachers and health workers.

“I’m humbled and inspired every day to see Montanans looking out for one another,” the governor said.

Bullock also announced that a fifth individual had died from complications related to the novel coronavirus. The state has 184 confirmed cases of COVID-19 as of Monday afternoon.

Gallatin County has the most cases in the state by far, with 69. Flathead County has 11 confirmed cases.

Reporter Colin Gaiser can be reached at cgaiser@dailyinterlake.com