Bill

Bill > HB770


MT HB770

Revise candidate campaign finance reporting laws


summary

Introduced
02/25/2025
In Committee
03/19/2025
Crossed Over
03/07/2025
Passed
04/22/2025
Dead
Signed/Enacted/Adopted
05/13/2025

Introduced Session

2025 Regular Session

Bill Summary

AN ACT REVISING CAMPAIGN FINANCE REPORTING REQUIREMENTS AND CONSEQUENCES FOR FAILURE TO FILE; CLARIFYING THAT CANDIDATES SHALL FILE REPORTS EVEN IF NO CONTRIBUTIONS OR EXPITURES WERE MADE; CLARIFYING THAT FAILURE TO REPORT RESULTS IN REMOVAL FROM THE BALLOT IN AN ELECTION; AND AMING SECTION 13-37-226, MCA.”

AI Summary

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.

Committee Categories

Government Affairs

Sponsors (1)

Last Action

(H) Signed by Governor (on 05/13/2025)

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