Bill > HB789

This bill modifies Montana's existing campaign finance laws to allow legislative candidates more flexibility in handling surplus campaign funds. Specifically, the bill permits a legislative candidate to contribute up to $10,000 in surplus campaign funds to their own future campaign within 120 days after filing their closing campaign report. Previously, candidates were prohibited from contributing surplus funds to another campaign or using them for personal benefit. The bill clarifies that such a contribution is considered a contribution from the candidate themselves, not from the original campaign donors, and cannot be treated as a loan. The bill maintains existing provisions that require candidates to dispose of surplus funds within 120 days and provide a supplement to their closing campaign report showing how surplus funds were handled. The definition of "personal benefit" remains unchanged, which prevents candidates from using campaign funds for direct or indirect personal gain for themselves or their immediate family members.

Government Affairs

https://bills.legmt.gov/#/laws/bill/2/LC2158