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Lawsuit Challenges Montana’s New Ban on Corporate, Union, and Nonprofit Spending on Elections
Montana voters passed I-194, a measure barring corporations and other organisations from spending money or anything of value to support or oppose election outcomes. Four organisations have filed a federal lawsuit seeking to stop the law, arguing that it violates constitutional protections for political speech and association.
The measure applies to entities including nonprofits, unions, partnerships and trade associations, and would require them to route political spending through political committees. Its supporters say it aims to limit the influence of wealthy interests, while the lawsuit argues it prevents people from pooling resources to influence policy. Montana is the second state, after Hawaii, to enact a law of this kind; similar proposals are under consideration in at least 15 other states.
In short
- Montana voters approved a ban on organisational political spending.
- Four groups are challenging the measure under the First Amendment.
- Similar proposals have been considered in at least 15 other states.