Bill > HB286

This bill revises Montana's election laws to enhance voter registration citizenship verification processes. The bill requires the Secretary of State to record and verify the United States citizenship status of registered voters and new voter registration applicants. New voter registration applicants will be required to provide proof of citizenship through rulemaking procedures established by the Secretary of State. If an applicant cannot demonstrate US citizenship, they will be registered as a provisional voter and may potentially have their registration canceled. The bill amends several existing statutes to add citizenship verification steps, including modifications to rules for maintaining voter registration lists, determining registration sufficiency, and establishing grounds for voter registration cancellation. Specifically, the bill allows for voter registration cancellation if an elector fails to demonstrate US citizenship, and it requires the Department of Motor Vehicles to assist the Secretary of State in verifying citizenship status for applicants who submit a Montana driver's license. Most provisions will become effective on October 1, 2025, with certain sections only taking effect when federal law allows states to determine citizenship status of voter registration applicants. The bill includes a severability clause to ensure that if any part of the act is found invalid, the remaining valid sections will still stand.

Government Affairs

https://bills.legmt.gov/#/laws/bill/2/LC1203