The bill proposes to move municipal elections to even-numbered years, amending existing laws to reflect this change. Specifically, it modifies Section 13-1-104 of the Montana Code Annotated (MCA) to include municipal officer elections on general election days in even-numbered years, while eliminating the requirement for such elections to occur in odd-numbered years. Additionally, it amends Section 13-1-107 to remove the provision for primary elections in odd-numbered years and clarifies that the costs of municipal elections will be borne by the municipalities.

To facilitate this transition, the bill establishes a framework for municipal officers whose terms end in January 2026, 2028, or 2030, requiring special elections for one-year terms to align with the new schedule. The bill also includes a saving clause to protect rights and duties established before its effective date and states that it will take effect immediately upon passage and approval, applying to all municipal elections scheduled thereafter.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 13-1-104
HB0221_1(1): 13-1-104
HB0221_1(10): 13-1-104
HB0221_1(2): 13-1-104
HB0221_1(3): 13-1-104
HB0221_1(4): 13-1-104
HB0221_1(5): 13-1-104
HB0221_1(6): 13-1-104
HB0221_1(7): 13-1-104
HB0221_1(8): 13-1-104
HB0221_1(9): 13-1-104
HB0221_1: 13-1-104
HB0221_2(1): 13-1-104, 13-1-107
HB0221_2(2): 13-1-104, 13-1-107
HB0221_2(3): 13-1-104
HB0221_2(4): 13-1-104
HB0221_2(5): 13-1-104
HB0221_2(6): 13-1-104
HB0221_2(7): 13-1-104
HB0221_2(8): 13-1-104
HB0221_2: 13-1-104, 13-1-107