Senate Bill No. [insert bill number] aims to eliminate the original jurisdiction of the Montana Supreme Court, except for writs of habeas corpus, and establishes district court review for ballot measures. The bill amends Section 13-27-605 of the Montana Code Annotated (MCA) to allow proponents and opponents of statewide ballot issues to file original proceedings in district court instead of the Supreme Court when challenging the adequacy of ballot statements or the attorney general's legal sufficiency determinations. The bill also repeals Section 3-2-202, which previously addressed original jurisdiction for reviewing ballot statements.

The amended language specifies that district court decisions regarding ballot statements and legal sufficiency determinations are appealable to the Supreme Court, ensuring a pathway for further review. Additionally, the bill clarifies that if the district court finds the attorney general's determination incorrect, any supporting petitions may be rendered void unless otherwise ordered by the Supreme Court. The act is set to take effect immediately upon passage and approval.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 13-27-605
SB0013_1(1): 13-27-605
SB0013_1(2): 13-27-605
SB0013_1(3): 13-27-605
SB0013_1(4): 13-27-605
SB0013_1(5): 13-27-605
SB0013_1(6): 13-27-605
SB0013_1(7): 13-27-605
SB0013_1(8): 13-27-605
SB0013_1: 13-27-605