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MontanaHB 77069th Legislature, Regular Session (2025)House

Revise candidate campaign finance reporting laws

Sponsored By: Jodee Etchart (Republican)

Signed by Governor

Elections

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.

Candidates face stricter reporting schedule

The law requires all candidates to file campaign finance reports, even when they have no contributions or spending. Before an election year, reports are due quarterly by the 5th after each quarter, and after an election, semiannual reports are due on March 10 and September 10 until a closing report; a final report can be filed after all activity ends. In an election year, filings are due on the 20th of March, April, May, June, August, September, October, and November. Late activity must be reported within 2 business days for amounts at the legal limit from the 15th day of the prior month through the day before the election; special elections add fixed reports 60, 35, and 12 days before, and 20 days after. Odd‑year city races have filings on the 20th of June through November; local candidates and local‑issue committees file only once total campaign money tops $500, and unopposed candidates can skip some pre‑election reports. All filings are due by 11:59 p.m. on the due date.

Nonfilers kept off the ballot

The law bars a candidate from the official ballot if they fail to meet the required campaign finance reporting rules. Election officials leave the name off the ballot under state law.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Jodee Etchart

    Republican • House

Cosponsors

  • Theresa Manzella

    Republican • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 201 • No: 93

Senate vote • 4/22/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 48 • No: 2

Senate vote • 4/18/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 42 • No: 5

House vote • 3/7/2025

Do Pass

Yes: 56 • No: 43

House vote • 3/6/2025

Do Pass

Yes: 55 • No: 43

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

    4/27/2025House

  7. Sent to Enrolling

    4/22/2025House

  8. 3rd Reading

    4/22/2025Senate

  9. 2nd Reading

    4/18/2025Senate

  10. Committee Report

    4/8/2025Senate

  11. Committee Executive Action

    4/7/2025Senate

  12. Hearing

    3/26/2025Senate

  13. Referred to Committee

    3/19/2025Senate

  14. 1st Reading

    3/14/2025Senate

  15. Transmitted to Senate

    3/7/2025House

  16. 3rd Reading

    3/7/2025House

  17. 2nd Reading

    3/6/2025House

  18. Committee Report

    2/28/2025House

  19. Committee Executive Action

    2/28/2025House

  20. Hearing

    2/26/2025House

  21. 1st Reading

    2/26/2025House

  22. Referred to Committee

    2/26/2025House

  23. Introduced

    2/25/2025House

Bill Text

  • Enrolled

    4/23/2025

    PDF

  • Introduced

    2/25/2025

    PDF

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