Bill > HB479

This bill requires candidates for public office in Montana to disclose their citizenship status by adding a mandatory question to nomination declaration forms about citizenship in other nations beyond the United States or federally recognized Indian tribes. Specifically, candidates must now indicate whether they hold citizenship in any other country and, if applicable, list those additional nations of citizenship. The bill mandates that this citizenship information be publicly posted online by the secretary of state, ensuring transparency for voters. The requirement applies to candidates filing for partisan, nonpartisan, and write-in candidacies across various levels of government, including local, state, and legislative positions. The bill amends existing election laws in sections 13-10-201, 13-10-211, and 13-14-112 to implement these new disclosure requirements. Additionally, the bill includes a provision requiring the secretary of state to notify tribal governments about the new law and specifies that the legislation becomes effective immediately upon passage and approval. The purpose appears to be enhancing voter awareness about candidates' potential international citizenship affiliations.

Government Affairs

https://bills.legmt.gov/#/laws/bill/2/LC3058