Governor Gianforte Signs House Bill 39 to Enhance Political Expression in Montana
HELENA, Mont. – In a significant judicial reform initiative, Governor Greg Gianforte has signed House Bill 39, a new law permitting political parties to make direct contributions to judicial candidates. The governor emphasized the importance of this measure, stating, “As Americans, we cherish our freedoms of speech and association. Political donations are an expression of these rights, and restricting them is an assault on the First Amendment.”
Sponsored by Representative Tom Millett (R-Marion), House Bill 39 aims to strengthen the free speech rights of Montanans by enabling political parties to support judicial candidates financially. The U.S. Supreme Court’s precedents affirm that political spending constitutes a form of expression, and any limitations infringe upon this fundamental right.
Rep. Millett remarked, “In Montana, our judiciary faces a crisis. This bill empowers Montanans to make their voices heard in our elections and embraces recent Supreme Court decisions that protect their First Amendment rights.” The law is seen as a step toward greater transparency and accountability in the state’s judiciary.
The bill garnered bipartisan support, passing the Montana House by a vote of 57-43 and the State Senate by 25-23. During his State of the State address, Governor Gianforte advocated for measures that enhance voter awareness of judicial candidates’ political affiliations, reiterating the need for a judiciary that is responsive to the citizens.
With the signing of House Bill 39, Montana moves toward a more expressive electoral landscape, allowing voters to engage more actively in the judicial selection process while upholding constitutional principles. This legislation marks a notable shift in the state’s political funding landscape and reflects a commitment to empowering voter voices.
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