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Bill

Bill

LC 2926

Require disclosure of paid signature gatherers for initiatives

2025 Regular Session

Montana bill requiring disclosure when paid signature gatherers work on ballot initiatives to increase transparency in campaign funding and initiative promotion.

(LC) Draft Delivered to Requester
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Bill Summary · LC 2926

Legislative bill overview

LC 2926 would require that individuals and organizations gathering signatures for ballot initiatives in Montana disclose when they are being paid to do so. The bill establishes transparency requirements around the financial relationships between signature gatherers and initiative campaigns, ensuring voters know how initiatives are being funded and promoted.

Why is this important

Signature gathering is a critical gatekeeping function for ballot initiatives—campaigns must collect thousands of valid signatures to qualify for the ballot. Disclosure requirements allow voters to assess potential bias or financial influence shaping which initiatives reach the ballot, and can reveal which wealthy interests are backing particular measures. This transparency supports informed democratic participation by exposing the money flowing through the initiative process.

Potential points of contention

  • Free speech concerns: Opponents may argue that disclosure requirements burden political speech and petition rights, particularly for grassroots campaigns with limited resources that rely on paid signature gatherers
  • Implementation burden: Defining "paid" signature gatherers, enforcement mechanisms, and penalties could create administrative complexity and unclear compliance standards for campaigns
  • Effectiveness debate: Critics may question whether disclosure alone meaningfully changes voter behavior or campaign dynamics, versus proponents who see it as essential accountability regardless of behavioral impact

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

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