Bill > HB780

This bill revises Montana's statewide ballot issue laws by requiring the Secretary of State to conduct a public hearing for every proposed ballot initiative (including statutory initiatives, statutory referendums, constitutional initiatives, and constitutional convention initiatives) after the text and draft ballot statements are submitted. The public hearing must be held during the same review period when the Legislative Services Division is examining the proposed ballot issue, which varies in length depending on the type of initiative (7-14 days). The bill includes provisions for initiatives related to statutory changes, constitutional amendments, and potential constitutional conventions, ensuring that each type of ballot proposal undergoes a similar public hearing process. The hearings are designed to provide an opportunity for public comments and testimony on proposed ballot measures, which can help inform voters and provide transparency in the initiative process. Additionally, the bill makes some minor technical corrections to existing law, such as standardizing the term "timeframe" and clarifying various procedural steps for submitting and reviewing ballot initiatives. The changes aim to increase public participation and scrutiny of proposed ballot measures before they are placed on the state's electoral ballot.

Government Affairs

https://bills.legmt.gov/#/laws/bill/2/LC2424