State Supreme Court Rules on Ballot Language for the Montana Plan

Elections have been a hot button topic as of late. In Montana, many are celebrating a court decision that could potentially alter the political future of the state.

The decision is in regard to I-194 or what many Montanans have heard called "The Montana Plan."

"The Montana Plan" Takes A Step Forward

As reported by the Daily Montanan and Yahoo!, the Montana Supreme Court "unanimously approved" new language for proposed ballot initiative I-194.

According to the site for the Montana Secretary of State, I-194's language reads:

"I-194, if passed, limits the powers of artificial persons to those powers necessary or convenient as provided by law. These powers must exclude contributing anything of value to candidate elections, supporting or opposing political parties, or supporting or opposing state or local ballot issues. Artificial persons include non-profits, trusts, partnerships, corporations, trade associations, or unincorporated associations and includes all such entities doing business in Montana.

Any violation of I-194 is punished by forfeiting all privileges to do business in Montana. Those privileges may be, but are not automatically, restored upon disgorgement and certification of compliance with I-194. I-194 does not apply to the distribution of news, commentary, or editorial content. I-194 also does not apply to the state of Montana, political subdivisions, individuals, political committees, or public corporations."

Some Montanans see this as a win to keep "dark money" out of elections while others, mainly that fall within the category of "Artificial persons" feel that this is a limit on free speech.

The Montana Plan's Next Steps

Voters will have a chance to vote on initiated state statute on November 3 of this year. According to the official website for The Montana Plan, "if approved by the electorate, [this act] is effective January 1, 2027."

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What do you think of the ballot language? Is it sufficient enough to get a clear response? Share your thoughts with me HERE.

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