The bill seeks to revise and streamline the procedures and requirements for local government ballot issues in Montana, reinforcing the rights of initiative and referendum as guaranteed by the state constitution. It introduces new sections that define local government, outline petition requirements, and establish procedures for signature gathering and verification. Key provisions include mandates for petitions to focus on a single subject, the inclusion of a statement of purpose and implications for ballot issues, and specific timeframes for petition submission. Additionally, local government attorneys are required to review sample petitions for compliance, and guidelines for the format and content of petitions are provided to enhance transparency and clarity in the petition process.

Moreover, the bill amends several sections of the Montana Code Annotated (MCA) to incorporate these new procedures while repealing outdated sections. It specifies that petitions for consolidating city and county governments must be submitted to registered electors if signed by at least 20% of them, and it clarifies that the powers of initiative and referendum are reserved for local governments with certain exceptions. New provisions regarding the regulation of marijuana businesses and local-option marijuana excise taxes are also introduced, requiring voter approval. The bill aims to enhance the clarity and efficiency of the petition process for local government actions, ensuring that the electorate's voice is preserved in governance matters.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 3-10-101, 3-11-101, 7-1-4130, 7-3-1204, 7-5-131, 7-6-1504, 13-10-612, 13-27-611, 16-1-205, 16-12-301, 16-12-311