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Bill would shift initial review of ballot-statement disputes from Montana Supreme Court to district courts
Summary
Senate Bill 13 would remove most of the Supreme Court’s original jurisdiction over ballot-statement challenges, routing initial factfinding to district courts; supporters say it improves record development, opponents warn it will delay ballot timelines and may undercut the initiative process.
Sen. Daniel Emrich told the committee Senate Bill 13 would eliminate the Supreme Court’s original jurisdiction over most ballot-statement disputes — leaving only writs of habeas corpus as original jurisdiction — and require district courts to perform initial factfinding. Emrich said the change would produce fuller records for appellate review and restore public confidence in judicial decision-making on ballot…
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