The bill proposes significant revisions to the laws governing the right to a trial by jury in proceedings that challenge legislative acts or ballot issues. Specifically, it establishes that any party involved in such a proceeding is entitled to demand a jury trial when there is a dispute over an issue of fact. This new provision aims to enhance the rights of parties contesting the constitutionality or legality of legislative actions, ensuring that factual determinations are made by a jury rather than solely by a judge.

Additionally, the bill amends Section 27-8-302 of the Montana Code Annotated to clarify that issues of fact in these proceedings may be tried in the same manner as in other civil actions. The language changes include the removal of the word "such" and the insertion of "the" to improve clarity. Furthermore, the bill explicitly states that when a proceeding challenges the constitutionality of a legislative act or ballot issue, the right to a jury trial applies, reinforcing the legal framework for these types of cases.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 27-8-302
HB0480_1(1): 27-8-302
HB0480_1: 27-8-302