Bill > SB13

This bill removes the Montana Supreme Court's original jurisdiction for reviewing ballot measure petitions and instead transfers that authority to district courts. Specifically, the bill changes the process for challenging ballot statements or the attorney general's determination of legal sufficiency for statewide ballot issues. Under the new process, proponents or opponents of a ballot measure can file an original proceeding in district court within 10 days to challenge ballot statements or legal sufficiency. The district court will examine the proposed issue and can order revisions to ballot statements, declare petitions void, or determine that an issue complies with requirements. Importantly, any district court decision can be appealed to the Supreme Court. The bill also repeals the existing statute defining the Supreme Court's original jurisdiction for ballot review and takes effect immediately upon passage. This change means that instead of the Supreme Court being the first court to review ballot measures, district courts will now handle initial reviews, with the Supreme Court serving as an appellate court for these matters.

Justice

https://bills.legmt.gov/#/laws/bill/20251/LC1433