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Proposed turnout thresholds for local levies draw broad resistance from Montana cities, schools and fire districts
Summary
Senate Bill 205 would set turnout bands and require higher approval thresholds for local levies and bonds; testimony from cities, school coalitions, fire districts and transit agencies warned it would make funding impossible for many communities and suggested amendments aligned with task-force recommendations.
Senate Bill 205, presented by Senator Greg Hertz, would alter passage rules for local levies and bonds by tying required approval percentages to voter turnout: if turnout is 50% or higher, a simple majority would suffice; turnout between 40% and 50% would require 60% approval; below 40% a measure would fail. Hertz said the bill is intended to encourage moving local levy elections to general elections to increase turnout and ensure broader voter participation.
The committee heard one proponent from the Montana Association of Realtors, who framed the bill as a fairness measure that would motivate proponents to educate and…
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