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Montana bill would raise referendum approval threshold to 60%; opponents warn it would constrain voters
Summary
Representative Jodie Etchart introduced HB 821 to raise the voter approval threshold for constitutional referenda from 50%+1 to 60% ("three-fifths"). Opponents — initiative advocates and labor groups — said access-to-ballot rules and long review processes already protect the constitution and that a higher bar would unduly restrict citizens.
Representative Jodie Etchart, R-Billings, opened a House State Administration committee hearing on House Bill 821 by saying the measure seeks to raise the voter approval threshold for constitutional referenda from a simple majority to 60 percent.
"Do we wanna make that threshold for changing our constitution 50% or do we wanna make it at 3 fifths?" Etchart said in her opening remarks, framing the proposal as a debate about how difficult it should be to amend Montana's constitution.
Opponents who testified included longtime initiative advocates and public-employee groups. Helena attorney Jonathan Motl…
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