The proposed bill aims to revise the laws governing statewide ballot issues in Montana by introducing a legislative poll for statewide initiatives. Within five working days after the petition submission deadline, the Secretary of State is required to send a ballot to each member of the legislature, allowing them to express their support, opposition, or neutrality regarding the initiative. The results of this legislative poll must then be included on the ballot and in the voter information pamphlet, detailing the majority vote within each political party. Additionally, the bill amends existing sections of the Montana Code Annotated (MCA) to incorporate these new requirements, ensuring that voters are informed of legislative opinions on ballot issues.

Key amendments include the addition of a summary of the legislative poll results for both statewide initiatives and referendums in the voter information pamphlet and the certification of ballot forms. The bill also removes certain language regarding arguments for and against ballot issues, streamlining the information presented to voters. The act is set to take effect immediately upon passage and will apply to initiatives submitted to the Secretary of State after the effective date.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 13-27-401, 13-27-501
HB0375_1(1): 13-27-401, 13-27-501
HB0375_1(2): 13-27-401, 13-27-501
HB0375_1: 13-27-401, 13-27-501