Committee hears bill to clarify joint campaign communications and allow out‑of‑state signatories for incidental committee reports

Representative Eric Tillman introduced House Bill 917, which would make two technical changes to Montana campaign finance law: first, clarifying that if two or more candidates make a joint electioneering communication they do not form a political committee; second, allowing a person located outside Montana to sign reports for incidental committees.

Tillman said the definitional change would reduce unnecessary filing burdens when candidates jointly pay for materials such as fund-raiser invitations. He said allowing an out‑of‑state signatory would ease administrative burdens for incidental committees that are transient and sometimes based out of state.

Scott Cook, representing the Commissioner of Political Practices (COPP), testified as an informational witness and said the agency might need modest outreach and system updates to implement the change. "There may be some technical stuff that we need to do in the campaign electronic reporting system," Cook said, and estimated roughly $1,000 for outreach or minor technical adjustments.

Vice Chair Cordon asked whether the out‑of‑state signature provision could allow outside actors to form committees to influence Montana elections; Cook and Tillman replied the change is intended to simplify filings for incidental committees and that out‑of‑state entities already lawfully spend on Montana elections but must report activity. Tillman said he expects a technical amendment in the Senate to harmonize new terminology across related code sections.