House Bill No. [insert bill number] seeks to revise the approval process for bond and mill levy elections in Montana, specifically allowing for a majority vote to approve certain bonds or mill levies during primary or general elections in even-numbered years, while establishing a minimum voter turnout requirement of 35%. The bill amends various sections of the Montana Code Annotated (MCA) to reflect these changes, including the removal of the previous 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. Additionally, the bill clarifies that propositions will be rejected if they do not meet the specified voter turnout thresholds.

The legislation also modifies the procedures for school district financing, allowing districts to account for principal and interest payments on obligations and clarifying conditions under which proceeds from obligations can be used. It introduces provisions for technology acquisition and school safety levies, ensuring these are subject to voter approval. Furthermore, the bill allows municipalities with populations over 10,000 to levy a general tax to cover bond payment deficiencies, streamlining the approval process for such levies. Overall, the bill aims to enhance financial management and accountability in school districts and local governments while ensuring adequate voter participation in the election process.

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