Committee approves HJR 48 asking interim study on moving Montana primary earlier

Representative Julie Darling presented House Joint Resolution 48 to the House State Administration Committee, asking the legislature to request an interim study to consider moving Montana's primary election date earlier in the calendar year and to report findings to the next legislature.

Darling said the idea originated with Representative Schubert and noted that over her four sessions on State Administration there have been multiple bills to change election dates at various government levels. She told the committee the interim State Administration and Veterans Affairs Committee could work with stakeholders to consider consolidating dates and to study overlaps such as conflicts with school board elections.

The chair asked for proponents and opponents; none were identified in the room or online. Committee members discussed whether the study would cover school board elections and Darling said the resolution sets reporting parameters but the interim committee may broaden the study. The committee approved the motion that HJR48 do pass by voice vote and recorded proxy votes; the resolution will proceed to the floor.