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MontanaHB 52769th Legislature, Regular Session (2025)House

Revising the process for written plans of conduct for mail elections

Sponsored By: Morgan Thiel (Republican)

Became Law

ElectionsPublic Officers and Employees

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

5 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

Deadlines and contents for mail plans

Election administrators must send a written mail plan at least 60 days before the election. They must file a separate plan for each type of election, even if held the same day. Each plan must include a timetable, how voter interface devices will be provided, and sample instructions. The instructions must list estimated return postage, places and hours to drop off ballots, and any other instructions required by law. Plans can be changed until 35 days before the election.

Early notice and sharing for school elections

School trustees must call a school election at least 70 days before it happens and say if it will be by mail. The school must send this resolution to the county election administrator within 3 days. If the election is by mail, the school clerk must send the county a copy of the written mail plan as soon as the Secretary of State approves it.

Standard ballot packets for every voter

For mail elections, officials must send one packet to each qualified voter. Each packet must include one official ballot for each election that day, a secrecy envelope, a signature envelope, and complete instructions approved by the state. Packets must be addressed to one voter at the most current registration address with enough postage. They must be mailed so undelivered packets are returned, not forwarded.

State sets uniform mail voting rules

The Secretary of State sets the forms and rules for mail elections. The office reviews every written mail plan and must approve, reject, or suggest changes within 5 days of getting it. Once a plan is approved, the election must follow that plan unless state law cancels the election. The rules aim to prevent fraud, handle ballots accurately, and keep votes secret.

Post mail plans or use polling places

Mail-election plans must be posted or publicly noticed at least 60 days before the election. Any plan changes must be posted at least 35 days before the election. If a plan is not posted by at least one required method 60 days before, the election must be run at polling places instead of by mail.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Morgan Thiel

    Republican • House

Cosponsors

  • Amy Regier

    Republican • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 475 • No: 15

House vote • 4/17/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 99 • No: 0

House vote • 4/16/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 98 • No: 0

House vote • 4/11/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 48 • No: 0

House vote • 4/10/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 49 • No: 0

House vote • 3/7/2025

Do Pass

Yes: 91 • No: 8

House vote • 3/5/2025

Do Pass

Yes: 90 • No: 7

Actions Timeline

  1. Chapter Number Assigned

    5/19/2025House

  2. Signed by Governor

    5/13/2025House

  3. Transmitted to Governor

    5/7/2025House

  4. Signed by President

    5/6/2025Senate

  5. Signed by Speaker

    5/2/2025House

  6. Returned from Enrolling

    4/22/2025House

  7. Sent to Enrolling

    4/18/2025House

  8. 3rd Reading Passed as Amended by Senate

    4/17/2025House

  9. 2nd Reading Senate Amendments Concurred

    4/16/2025House

  10. Returned to House with Amendments

    4/11/2025Senate

  11. 3rd Reading Concurred

    4/11/2025Senate

  12. 2nd Reading Concurred

    4/10/2025Senate

  13. Committee Report--Bill Concurred as Amended

    4/8/2025Senate

  14. Committee Executive Action--Bill Concurred as Amended

    4/7/2025Senate

  15. Hearing

    3/25/2025Senate

  16. Referred to Committee

    3/14/2025Senate

  17. First Reading

    3/14/2025Senate

  18. Transmitted to Senate

    3/7/2025House

  19. 3rd Reading Passed

    3/7/2025House

  20. 2nd Reading Passed

    3/5/2025House

  21. Committee Report--Bill Passed as Amended

    2/25/2025House

  22. Committee Executive Action--Bill Passed as Amended

    2/25/2025House

  23. Hearing

    2/21/2025House

  24. First Reading

    2/18/2025House

  25. Referred to Committee

    2/18/2025House

Bill Text

  • Enrolled

    4/22/2025

    PDF

  • As Amended (Version 3)

    4/8/2025

    PDF

  • As Amended (Version 2)

    2/25/2025

    PDF

  • Introduced

    2/18/2025

    PDF

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