Bill > HB770

This bill revises campaign finance reporting laws in Montana by clarifying and strengthening reporting requirements for political candidates. The legislation mandates that candidates must file campaign finance reports even if they have no contributions or expenditures to report, with detailed filing requirements including quarterly reports, monthly reports during election years, and special reports for special elections. The bill specifies various deadlines for reporting, such as filing on the 5th day of each calendar quarter and on specific dates in March, April, May, June, August, September, October, and November during election years. Importantly, the bill introduces a significant consequence for non-compliance: candidates who fail to submit the required reports will have their names removed from the official election ballot. The reporting requirements apply differently to municipal elections, local offices, and candidates with campaign funds under $500, and reports must be filed by 11:59 p.m. on the specified due dates. This legislation aims to increase transparency in campaign financing by ensuring comprehensive and timely financial disclosures from political candidates.

Government Affairs

https://bills.legmt.gov/#/laws/bill/2/LC2880