House Bill No. [insert bill number] proposes significant changes to the approval process for bond and mill levy elections in Montana. The bill allows for a majority vote to approve certain bonds or mill levies during primary or general elections held in even-numbered years, while establishing a minimum voter turnout requirement of 35%. It also increases the minimum voter turnout needed for elections requiring a 60% approval rate. Key amendments include the removal of the requirement for a majority of electors to approve tax levies and bond propositions, replacing it with a stipulation that a majority of votes cast must be in favor for approval. The bill aims to streamline the election process for local governments and enhance funding for essential services and projects.

Additionally, the bill amends various sections of the Montana Code Annotated (MCA) to clarify procedures for bond propositions and mill levy elections. It specifies that if a bond proposition is held during a primary or general election in an even-numbered year, a majority of votes in favor will result in the contract being in full effect. Conversely, if there is a tie or majority against the proposition, the contract will be void. The bill also outlines the process for counties to establish search and rescue units and allows for optional funding through a tax levy, which must be approved by voters. Overall, the bill seeks to enhance financial management and accountability within local governments and school districts while providing mechanisms for funding essential projects and technology.

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(3): 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