summary
Introduced
02/13/2025
02/13/2025
In Committee
03/03/2025
03/03/2025
Crossed Over
02/28/2025
02/28/2025
Passed
Dead
05/22/2025
05/22/2025
Introduced Session
2025 Regular Session
Bill Summary
AN ACT ENTITLED: “AN ACT GENERALLY REVISING LAWS RELATED TO THE ELECTRONIC TRANSMISSION OF A BALLOT BY A DISABLED VOTER; ALLOWING A DISABLED ELECTOR TO RETURN A VOTED BALLOT USING AN ENCRYPTED ELECTRONIC TRANSMISSION SYSTEM APPROVED BY THE SECRETARY OF STATE UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES; REQUIRING THE SECRETARY OF STATE TO ADOPT ENCRYPTION AND SECURITY STANDARDS FOR AN ELECTRONIC TRANSMISSION SYSTEM; PROVIDING AN APPROPRIATION; PROVIDING RULEMAKING AUTHORITY; AMING SECTION 13-13-246, MCA; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE AND AN APPLICABILITY DATE.”
AI Summary
This bill modifies existing Montana law to allow disabled voters to return their ballots electronically during federal primary and general elections using a secure, encrypted electronic transmission system. The bill requires the Secretary of State to develop and approve an electronic transmission system with robust encryption and security standards to protect the accuracy, integrity, and secrecy of electronically submitted ballots. Under the new provisions, a disabled voter can request an electronic ballot, vote it, and return it electronically by 8 p.m. on election day, provided they complete an affirmation and follow specific verification procedures. The bill includes safeguards such as requiring multiple election officials to be involved in processing these ballots and maintaining strict confidentiality. To support implementation, the bill appropriates $10,000 from the general fund to the Secretary of State for designing and programming the electronic transmission system, with the changes set to take effect July 1, 2025, and apply to federal elections beginning with the November 2026 general election.
Committee Categories
Government Affairs
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
(H) Died in Process (on 05/22/2025)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
Loading...
bill summary
Loading...
bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://bills.legmt.gov/#/laws/bill/2/LC4226 |
| State Bill Page | https://bills.legmt.gov/#/lc/bill/2/LC4226 |
| Fiscal Note HB0488_1 | https://docs.legmt.gov/download-ticket?ticketId=0113a965-138a-461a-90ac-fa293dcbaac5 |
| BillText | https://docs.legmt.gov/download-ticket?ticketId=4d1008df-0331-449e-a26f-eba54c5c1988 |
| BillText | https://api.legmt.gov/docs/v1/documents/getContent?documentId=280457 |
Loading...