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HB 597

Prohibit inactive electors from signing petitions

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Zack Wirth

HB 597 would have barred inactive voters from signing citizen petition drives, potentially limiting access to ballot initiative processes in Montana.

(H) Died in Process
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Bill Summary · HB 597

Legislative bill overview

HB 597 would have prohibited individuals classified as "inactive electors" from signing citizen-initiated petitions in Montana. The bill aimed to tighten eligibility requirements for who can participate in the petition signature-gathering process for ballot measures and initiatives.

Why is this important

This bill directly affects citizens' ability to participate in direct democracy mechanisms. Restricting petition signers could make it harder to get citizen-initiated measures on ballots, potentially limiting which policy issues reach voters for direct decision-making.

Potential points of contention

  • Definition of "inactive elector": Unclear standards could disenfranchise eligible voters who simply haven't voted recently but remain registered and qualified
  • Democratic participation: Restricting petition access raises concerns about barriers to grassroots organizing and citizen-initiated ballot measures
  • Implementation challenges: Verifying "inactive" status during petition gathering could be administratively complex and potentially error-prone

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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