Montana Republican Party Sues to Block Campaign Finance Initiative
The Montana Republican Party and several organizations filed a federal lawsuit to block Initiative 194, a voter-approved measure limiting corporate spending in elections.
Montana voters approved Initiative 194, known as The Montana Plan, with approximately 65% of the vote in a Tuesday election. The measure aims to reduce the influence of large corporations and outside money by limiting the amount incorporated entities can spend to influence state, local, and federal elections.
Within 48 hours of the vote, the Montana Republican Party and several other organizations, including the Frontier Institute and the Montana Family Foundation, filed a federal lawsuit challenging the initiative's constitutionality. The plaintiffs argue the law violates First Amendment protections regarding freedom of speech, press, and assembly. They specifically claim the measure could hinder the publication of political newsletters and the issuance of legislative scorecards.
The lawsuit names Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen and Secretary of State Christi Jacobsen as defendants. Supporters of the measure contend that because corporations are created under state law, Montana possesses the authority to regulate their powers. This legal strategy represents an attempt to bypass the U.S. Supreme Court's 2010 Citizens United decision.
Initiative 194 is scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2027, unless it is blocked by a court.
