Repeal Clean Campaign Act
The repeal of the Clean Campaign Act will significantly alter the landscape of political campaign regulation in Montana. By removing requirements for fair notice periods before elections and abolishing penalties for violations outlined in the act, the bill proposes a shift towards less regulated political campaigning. This could lead to greater flexibility for political candidates but also raises concerns about the potential for misuse or lack of transparency in campaign financing and practices.
Senate Bill 30, introduced by W. McKamey at the request of the Commissioner of Political Practices, seeks to repeal the Clean Campaign Act. This act comprises several sections defined in the Montana Code Annotated, specifically sections 13-35-401, 13-35-402, and 13-35-403, which detail regulations around campaign practices and corresponding penalties. The bill aims to remove these regulations entirely, asserting that this repeal will lead to a different approach in managing political campaign practices in Montana.
The bill has sparked a range of opinions among lawmakers and the public. Proponents view the repeal as a necessary step towards deregulating political fundraising and campaign practices, allowing for more robust political competition. Conversely, opponents express concerns that eliminating such regulations could exacerbate issues of transparency and accountability in campaigns, potentially leading to increased corruption or the undermining of voter trust. The legislative history indicates a failed attempt to pass the bill, with a vote of 38 yeas to 52 nays on March 22, highlighting the contention surrounding campaign practices and regulation.