Bill > HB678

This bill amends Montana state law regarding the statement of purpose and implication for statewide ballot issues by modifying the requirements for how these statements are written. Currently, ballot issue statements must be a true and impartial explanation in plain language, but the bill now mandates that the statement be composed of two distinct parts: first, a concise explanation not exceeding 135 words using complete sentences, and second, an itemized, bulleted list of primary impacts that provides specific details about what the proposal changes and what remains the same, limited to 150 words. The list must avoid generalized assumptions or opinions. The statement will continue to serve as both the petition title and ballot title unless altered by a court. The bill will take effect immediately upon passage and will apply to statewide ballot issues submitted to the secretary of state from the effective date onward, which means it will first impact ballot issues for the 69th Legislature in 2025.

Government Affairs

https://bills.legmt.gov/#/laws/bill/2/LC0852