MontanaSB 36069th Legislature, Regular Session (2025)Senate

Revise election laws related to definitions

Sponsored By: Shelley Vance (Republican)

Became Law

Elections

Your PRIA Score

Score Hidden

Personalized for You

How does this bill affect your finances?

Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this bill and every other piece of legislation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.

Free to start

Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

5 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 3 mixed.

New campaign reporting and fundraising limits

Candidates must file quarterly and, in election years, on Mar 20, Apr 20, May 20, Jun 20, Aug 20, Sep 20, Oct 20, and Nov 20. Committees must file quarterly and, in election years, on Mar 30, Apr 30, May 30, Jun 30, Aug 30, Sep 30, Oct 30, and Nov 30. Between 15 days before an election and the day before, candidates must report within 2 business days when a contribution or spending equals the legal limit, unless unopposed. Between 25 days before an election and the day before, committees must report within 2 business days for $500 or more received or spent. Special election reports are due 60, 35, and 12 days before, and 20 days after. Local candidates file only if total campaign money is over $2,500, and all reports are due by 11:59 p.m. If a candidate has not chosen an office, the lowest contribution limit among the offices they are considering applies.

Stronger checks for absentee and early ballots

Election officials compare your absentee‑ballot signature to your application or registration. If it matches and you are registered, your ballot is accepted. If you are provisional, they open the outer envelope to check your ID; if it is not enough, your ballot is provisional. If your absentee ballot is missing a secrecy envelope, officials must put it in one without looking at your vote. Officials may open secrecy envelopes and place ballots in secure boxes no sooner than 3 business days before election day, and not on weekends. Counties with under 8,000 registered voters or under 5,000 absentee voters may start no sooner than 1 business day before. Only the election administrator and a designee may see early electronic tallies, and they may not release them early.

Broader exemptions for religious groups

The commissioner must read religious‑organization exemptions broadly, consistent with the First Amendment. This changes how campaign‑finance and election‑communication rules apply to churches and other religious groups.

Clearer ballot and vote definitions

The law defines key election terms so counting is the same statewide. It defines accepted, voted, regular, rejected, and replacement ballots, and what a valid vote is. It also defines a mail ballot election and the official place of deposit. It defines the report of the canvass and when a proposal becomes a ballot issue.

Stricter use of public funds for ads

Candidates and state officers cannot use public time, staff, or money for ads with their name, photo, or voice. They may do so only in an emergency or for messages directly tied to their office’s programs. Public employees may list products they made off the clock in the state’s electronic directory, but must arrange the listing outside work hours.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Shelley Vance
Republican • Senate

Cosponsors

Gary Parry
Republican • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 298 • No: 0

Senate vote • 4/11/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 99 • No: 0

Senate vote • 4/10/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 99 • No: 0

Senate vote • 3/6/2025

Do Pass

Yes: 50 • No: 0

Senate vote • 3/5/2025