The bill proposes significant revisions to the laws governing bond and mill levy elections in Montana, allowing for majority approval during primary or general elections in even-numbered years, contingent upon a minimum voter turnout of 35%. It modifies the approval process for bond propositions and mill levies, replacing the previous requirement for a majority of all qualified electors with a system that allows for approval based on a majority of votes cast, provided the turnout meets the specified thresholds. The bill also clarifies the procedures for determining the approval or rejection of these propositions based on voter turnout percentages, aiming to streamline the election process while ensuring adequate voter engagement.

Additionally, the bill introduces provisions for school district financing, specifying that levy propositions are approved if a majority of those voting support them, rather than requiring a majority of all qualified electors. It establishes guidelines for the issuance of bonds by municipalities, allowing for tax obligations to be apportioned among multiple municipalities and requiring a simple majority for bond resolution approval. The legislation also outlines the management of search and rescue unit funding and introduces provisions for establishing building reserve funds within school districts. Overall, the amendments seek to enhance financial management, accountability, and operational frameworks for local government funding initiatives and school-related projects.

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: 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