2021 Montana Code Annotated
Title 13. Elections
Chapter 27. Ballot Issues
Part 1. General Provisions
13-27-105. Effective date of initiative and referendum issues

13-27-105. Effective date of initiative and referendum issues. (1) Unless the petition placing an initiative issue on the ballot states otherwise, an initiative issue, other than a constitutional amendment, approved by the people is effective on October 1 following approval. If the issue delegates rulemaking authority, it is effective no sooner than October 1 following approval.

(2) A constitutional amendment proposed by initiative or by the legislature and approved by the people is effective on July 1 following approval unless the amendment provides otherwise.

(3) Unless specifically provided by the legislature in an act referred by it to the people or until suspended by a petition signed by at least 15% of the qualified electors in a majority of the legislative representative districts, an act referred to the people is in effect as provided by law until it is approved or rejected at the election. An act that is rejected is repealed effective the date the result of the canvass is filed by the secretary of state under 13-27-503. An act referred to the people that was in effect at the time of the election and is approved by the people remains in effect. An act that was suspended by a petition and is approved by the people is effective the date the result of the canvass is filed by the secretary of state under 13-27-503. An act referred by the legislature that contains an effective date following the election becomes effective on that date if approved by the people. An act that provides no effective date and whose substantive provisions were delayed by the legislature pending approval at an election and that is approved is effective October 1 following the election.

History: En. 37-137 by Sec. 23, Ch. 342, L. 1977; R.C.M. 1947, 37-137; amd. Sec. 1, Ch. 73, L. 1981; amd. Sec. 8, Ch. 79, L. 1983; amd. Sec. 16, Ch. 298, L. 1987.