We are fiercely proud of the Montana Constitution, written by Montanans to serve Montanans. We came into this session knowing we needed to defend this document from a small group of extremist politicians, polluters, and lobbyists. That’s why we worked so hard to organize a wildly successful rally to defend the Constitution that made a big splash in the Capitol and throughout Montana’s media landscape. Thus far, we have preserved all of our Constitutional rights, but we’re not out of the woods just yet.
Transmittal marks the deadline for general bills to move out of the chamber where they were introduced. However, not all bills are bound by this deadline. Revenue bills, appropriation bills, and bills proposing voter referendums have a later deadline. They must be introduced by the 62nd day of the session – March 28 – and transmitted by 67th day – April 3.
That class of bills includes those seeking an amendment to the Montana Constitution, because altering that foundational document requires a statewide ballot referendum. We are closely watching a number of bills, bill drafts, and dangerous ideas polluting Helena that seek to dismantle our rights, including our right to a clean and healthful environment. We must remain vigilant so that we can protect the document that has faithfully protected our freedoms, rights, and people for generations.
So, stay tuned for future opportunities to take action in the coming days and weeks. You can also attend a second rally at the Helena Capitol to defend the Montana Constitution – we need to keep up the momentum! This upcoming rally was organized by our friends at the Montanan Environmental Information Center and is co-sponsored by Northern Plains and several other ally organizations.
The Rally to Defend Montana’s Constitution is Wednesday, March 15 at noon in the Capitol Rotunda.
