Dark money, sex offenders and bullying
Bills to shine the light on dark money political groups, restrict where sex offenders can live and outlaw bullying in public schools are moving through the Montana Legislature.
• A bill to revise campaign finance laws in Montana elections passed the Senate by 30-20 on April 15 and was hailed by Gov. Steve Bullock as the bill heads to his desk for a signature.
“Montana elections are about to become the most transparent in the nation, requiring those trying to influence our elections to come out of the dark money shadows,” Bullock said. “Our elections should be decided by Montanans, not shadowy dark money groups.”
Sponsored by Sen. Duane Ankney, R-Colstrip, Senate Bill 289, the “Montana Disclose Act,” narrowly passed in the House by 51-48 on March 28.
“I’m tired of getting gut shot by these cowards hiding in the shadows,” Ankney said. “It’s time we put a stop to these people and clean up our elections.
SB 289 creates a new category of regulated political activity called “electioneering communications” and requires spending disclosure for any “electioneering communications” made within 60 days of when voting begins.
In addition, SB 289 requires disclosure for all groups that make political expenditures or contributions, regardless of their tax status, and increases the frequency and length of time that reporting is required during the election cycle.
“These dark groups corrupt our elections, and it’s time we break this 21s century version of the ‘Copper Collar’ before we lose complete control of our elections,” Bullock said.
• A bill that would keep high-risk sex offenders from living near children was approved by the Senate Judiciary Committee by 8-4 on April 14.
House Bill 219, sponsored by Rep. Essman, R-Billings, passed in the House by 79-20 on March 31. No one spoke for or against the bill at its April 14 hearing. Four Democrats voted in opposition.
The bill would restrict adults who have victimized young people from living within 300 feet of an established daycare center, playground, park, athletic facility or any place where children live.
Essman said his constituents have repeatedly told him they don’t want known child predators living near elementary schools.
• A bill that would outlaw bullying in schools passed in the House by 58-42 on April 13 after passing in the Senate by 36-13 on March 30.
House Bill 284, sponsored by Rep. Kimberly Dudik, D-Missoula, defines and prohibits bullying of public school students in person and online.
Montana is the only U.S. state without anti-bullying legislation on the books. Previous attempts to pass anti-bullying legislation failed in Montana as far back as 2003. Opponents said the proposed legislation would infringe on school districts’ ability to enact local rules.
The Montana Board of Education enacted a state administrative rule against bullying in 2013. Supporters then called for putting the language into a statute. Numerous victims and parents showed up at the Capitol to support HB 284.