Ballot initiative bill proposed

HELENA — As lawmakers implement a 2020 ballot initiative that legalized recreational marijuana, supporters of a bill that would change the ballot initiative process say it would increase transparency and protect Montanans from out-of-state interests. Critics say it would threaten the public’s ability to participate in policy.

House Bill 651 would require lawmakers to vote on proposed ballot initiatives and for that vote to be posted for potential petition signers to see. Paid signature gatherers would also need to register with the Secretary of State like lobbyists.

Jessie Luther is a lobbyist who helped write the bill, and spoke for the bill on behalf of herself at a hearing Thursday.