House Bill No. introduced by J. Gillette aims to revise election laws concerning residency for temporary residents in Montana. The bill amends Section 13-1-112 of the Montana Code Annotated (MCA) to clarify the rules for determining an individual's residence for registration, voting, or seeking election to the legislature. Notably, the bill changes the terminology from "a residence" to "residency" and specifies that individuals relocating to a county or the state for temporary purposes—such as temporary work, training, or educational programs—do not gain residency unless they intend to make that location their permanent home after the conclusion of their temporary activities.

Additionally, the bill emphasizes that individuals do not lose their residence if they temporarily move to another state with the intention of returning, provided they do not exercise their voting rights in the other state. The bill also includes a new section stating that it will take effect immediately upon passage and approval. Overall, the proposed changes aim to provide clearer guidelines on residency status, particularly for those in temporary situations, ensuring that the election process remains fair and consistent.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 13-1-112
HB0413_1(1): 13-1-112
HB0413_1(2): 13-1-112
HB0413_1(3): 13-1-112
HB0413_1(4): 13-1-112
HB0413_1: 13-1-112