Montana's Corporate Spending Ban Challenged in Court on Election Day
Montana disclosed on November 6 that Initiative 194, the 'Montana Plan' approved by voters on November 3 with about 65% support, was challenged in court on Election Day itself. The Institute for Free Speech, a Washington-based nonprofit, filed suit arguing the measure conflicts with the U.S. Supreme Court's 2010 Citizens United ruling.
Initiative 194 provides that only individuals may spend money in Montana elections; corporations, trade associations, unions and nonprofits may not spend to influence elections, and violators could lose state-granted corporate privileges. The measure takes effect on January 1, 2027, and must be codified by the legislature, though the Republican-controlled legislature could still amend or repeal it. The sponsoring Transparent Election Initiative said that if lawmakers act, it will return the question to voters in 2028. Montana Chamber of Commerce president Todd O'Hair opposed the measure, saying it restricts businesses' legitimate voice.
(Source: Montana Public Radio)
Source: Montana Public Radio
Published by GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
Photo: 图：蒙大拿州议会大厦，位于海伦娜。作者：Mattvw9287，CC BY 4.0，取自 Wikimedia Commons。 / Photo: The Montana State Capitol in Helena. By Mattvw9287. CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
