Revise statewide ballot issue laws

This bill requires the Montana Secretary of State to hold a public hearing for citizens proposing statewide ballot issues, allowing the public to submit comments and testimony during the review process. The key provision mandates that these hearings occur within the same timeframe as the legislative services division's review of the proposed initiative or referendum. By adding this public hearing requirement, the bill aims to increase transparency and public engagement in the ballot measure process. The changes apply to statutory initiatives, statutory referendums, constitutional initiatives, and constitutional convention initiatives, affecting citizens who wish to place measures on the statewide ballot.