Montana Senate Bill SB77

Montana 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 12/14/22
• Refer: 12/28/22
• Engrossed: 2/3/23
• Refer: 2/14/23
• Enrolled: 3/30/23
• Passed: 4/24/23

Caption

Generally revise laws related to redistricting data for inmates

Impact

The implementation of SB77 has significant implications for state laws surrounding redistricting and local election district boundaries. By adjusting census data to reflect the last known addresses of incarcerated individuals, local governments will need to revise election boundaries to maintain equal representation as required under the 14th Amendment. This may lead to changes in political representation in areas where prisons are located, and could impact state and local funding allocations tied to population counts.

Summary

Senate Bill 77 (SB77) focuses on the collection and use of demographic data related to incarcerated individuals in the context of redistricting. The bill mandates the Department of Corrections to gather last known addresses and other demographics from individuals entering incarceration. Furthermore, it requires the State Census and Economic Information Center to adjust federal decennial census data to account for these individuals' last known addresses, ensuring more accurate geographical representation in local elections through population adjustments based on this data.

Sentiment

The sentiment around SB77 appears to be a mix of support and concern. Proponents argue that the bill will ensure that redistricting accurately reflects the population and addresses issues of representation for communities. Conversely, some critics express skepticism regarding how this data will be used and whether it may lead to underrepresentation in certain areas, particularly those that encompass correctional facilities. The debate highlights ongoing tensions between accurately representing incarcerated populations and addressing the complexities of demographic data in elections.

Contention

Notable points of contention revolve around the implications of using last known addresses for incarcerated individuals. Critics worry that the bill could skew local governance and funding by redistributing representation based on populations that do not realistically reside within those districts. Additionally, concerns about privacy and the handling of sensitive demographic data have emerged, emphasizing the need for clear guidelines on data use to prevent potential misuse or misinterpretation in political contexts.