Bill > SB11

This bill provides comprehensive revisions to local government ballot issue laws in Montana, establishing clear procedures for how local government units can propose, petition for, and conduct elections on ordinances and ballot measures. The bill defines "local government" as any city, town, county, or consolidated city-county and outlines specific requirements for ballot initiatives, including that they must cover a single comprehensive subject, fully explain the proposed ordinance, and include transition provisions if changing government structures. The legislation sets forth detailed rules for petition creation, including requirements for petition format, signature gathering, and verification, such as mandating that signature gatherers cannot be paid based on the number of signatures collected and that petitions must be signed by at least 15% of qualified local government electors. The bill also establishes procedures for how local governments can respond to petitions, including the ability to adopt the proposed ordinance within 60 days or place it on the ballot, and provides mechanisms for challenging petition validity through court proceedings. Additionally, the bill repeals several existing sections of Montana law related to local government ballot issues and amends multiple sections of the Montana Code to align with these new provisions, ultimately aiming to streamline and standardize the process for local government ballot initiatives across the state.

Government Affairs

https://bills.legmt.gov/#/laws/bill/20251/LC0230