HB 179: Revise election laws related to inactive voter status - Montana

HB0179_1(9).pdf → HB0179_X.pdf · 2 edits

MINOR

The bill was finalized and enrolled for signature, retaining its core purpose to clarify that signing a petition for a statewide ballot issue does not automatically reactivate an inactive voter. The text was reorganized to match the official enrolled format, including the addition of a certification section for the Chief Clerk, Speaker, and President of the Senate.

Scope change

No change in scope; the bill remains applicable to Montana voters on the inactive list.

TECHNICAL

The bill text was reformatted from a draft version to the official enrolled version, adding signature lines for legislative officers and removing draft markers.

TIMELINE

Section 2 was added to explicitly state that the act becomes effective immediately upon passage and approval.

HB0179_2.pdf → HB0179_1(9).pdf · 3 edits

MINOR

The bill was converted from an enrolled version to a House-introduced draft, adding sponsor names and formal bill text. The core policy regarding voter reactivation remains unchanged, clarifying that signing a petition does not restore voting status and specifying that reactivated voters are legally registered only for the specific election in which they voted.

TECHNICAL

Added sponsor names and formal bill header information typical of a newly introduced House bill.

Reordered the text structure to match the standard format of a House bill rather than the enrolled version.

TIMELINE

Added a new Section 2 stating the act is effective immediately upon passage and approval.

HB0179_1(8).pdf → HB0179_2.pdf · 3 edits

MINOR

This bill clarifies that signing a petition for a statewide ballot issue does not automatically move a voter from the inactive list back to the active list. It updates the reactivation process to require specific actions like appearing at a polling place, notifying the county of a new address, or completing a reactivation form. The bill also changes the effective date from 'immediate' to 'upon passage and approval.'

Scope change

The scope of voter reactivation is narrowed to exclude ballot petition signatures as a valid method for restoring active status.

ELIGIBILITY

Signing a petition for a statewide ballot issue is no longer a valid way to reactivate an inactive voter's status.

REQUIREMENT

The bill renumbered and clarified the specific steps an inactive voter must take to be moved back to the active list, such as appearing at a polling place or completing a reactivation form.

TIMELINE

The effective date of the act was changed from 'immediate' to 'upon passage and approval.'

HB0179_1(1).pdf → HB0179_1(2).pdf · 1 edit

MINOR

The list of legislators who introduced House Bill 179 was completely replaced with a new set of sponsors, while the bill's text and purpose remain unchanged. This change reflects a shift in legislative leadership or coalition building but does not alter the bill's substantive policy, scope, or requirements.

TECHNICAL

The entire list of sponsors was replaced with a new set of names, indicating a change in who is advocating for the bill.

LC2326.pdf → HB0179_1.pdf · 1 edit

MINOR

The bill text was updated from a draft version (LC2326) to the official House Bill number (HB 179), including a complete list of sponsoring legislators. The substantive legal text regarding voter reactivation rules and the effective date remains identical to the previous version.

TECHNICAL

Updated the bill identifier from 'LC2326' to 'HB 179' and replaced the blank sponsor list with the full names of the legislators introducing the bill.

Revise election laws related to inactive voter status

What changed between versions

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