Revise timeframe and expenses of election recount laws

Montana's LC 1479 bill revises election recount procedures by clarifying that all timeframes refer to business days (not calendar days). It requires candidates seeking recounts for close races to file requests within 5 business days after official canvass and mandates recount boards to meet within 5 business days of notice. The bill specifies that counties cover most recount costs, while school districts pay for school elections, special districts for their elections, and municipalities for municipal elections. Candidates must also post a bond to cover all recount costs, including personnel and administrative expenses.