Senate Bill No. [number] aims to revise the election process for irrigation district commissioners in Montana by establishing residency requirements for candidates. The bill amends Section 85-7-1702 of the Montana Code Annotated (MCA) to specify that candidates must reside in the district they seek to represent and be eligible voters within that district. This change ensures that only individuals who have a direct stake in the district's affairs can run for commissioner positions.

Additionally, the bill modifies the voting process for commissioner elections by removing the provision that allowed electors from the entire district to vote for any candidate. Instead, it stipulates that only voters from the specific division of the district where the candidate has land can cast their votes for that candidate. This amendment aims to create a more localized and representative election process. The bill is set to take effect immediately upon passage and approval.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 85-7-1702
SB0517_1(1): 85-7-1702
SB0517_1(2): 85-7-1702
SB0517_1: 85-7-1702