House Bill No. [insert bill number] proposes significant changes to the approval process for bond and mill levy elections in Montana, allowing for a majority vote to approve certain bonds or mill levies during primary or general elections in even-numbered years, contingent upon a minimum voter turnout of 35%. The bill amends various sections of the Montana Code Annotated (MCA) to reflect these changes, including the removal of the requirement for a majority of electors to approve tax levies and bond propositions, replacing it with a system that allows for approval based on a majority of votes cast, provided the turnout meets the specified thresholds. This aims to streamline the approval process for local government funding initiatives while ensuring adequate voter participation.

Additionally, the bill modifies the operational control of search and rescue units, placing them under the jurisdiction of the county sheriff and allowing civil air patrol members to participate in search operations. It also introduces provisions for school district financing, including stipulations for technology acquisition and safety improvements, while ensuring transparency and accountability in fund usage. The bill further clarifies the approval process for bond elections, establishing that if a bond election occurs outside the designated timeframe, a new method for determining approval will require at least 35% voter participation alongside a majority vote in favor. Overall, the bill aims to enhance the financial management of local governments and school districts while ensuring voter engagement in funding decisions.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 7-6-2512, 7-6-4431, 7-7-2237, 7-7-4235, 7-12-4244, 7-14-1134, 7-15-4218, 7-16-2102, 7-16-2109, 7-22-2142, 7-31-110, 7-32-235, 7-34-2414, 15-10-425, 20-9-353, 20-9-428, 20-9-471, 20-9-502, 20-9-533, 67-11-303, 76-15-506
HB0410_1(1): 7-6-2512, 7-6-4431, 7-7-2237, 7-7-4235, 7-12-4244, 7-14-1134, 7-15-4218, 7-16-2102, 7-16-2109, 7-22-2142, 7-31-110, 7-32-235, 7-34-2414, 15-10-425, 20-9-353, 20-9-428, 20-9-471, 20-9-502, 20-9-533, 67-11-303, 76-15-506
HB0410_1(2): 7-6-2512, 7-6-4431, 7-7-2237, 7-7-4235, 7-12-4244, 7-14-1134, 7-15-4218, 7-16-2102, 7-16-2109, 7-22-2142, 7-31-110, 7-32-235, 7-34-2414, 15-10-425, 20-9-353, 20-9-428, 20-9-471, 20-9-502, 20-9-533, 67-11-303, 76-15-506
HB0410_1: 7-6-2512, 7-6-4431, 7-7-2237, 7-7-4235, 7-12-4244, 7-14-1134, 7-15-4218, 7-16-2102, 7-16-2109, 7-22-2142, 7-31-110, 7-32-235, 7-34-2414, 15-10-425, 20-9-353, 20-9-428, 20-9-471, 20-9-502, 20-9-533, 67-11-303, 76-15-506