Montana Voters Approve Initiative 194 to Restrict Corporate Political Spending
Montana voters have overwhelmingly approved Initiative 194, known as the 'Montana Plan,' which seeks to strip corporations, trade associations, and nonprofits of their legal power to spend money on elections within the state. The measure passed with approximately 65% support and is scheduled to become law on January 1. Unlike traditional spending restrictions that target political speech, this plan targets corporate privileges, threatening violators with the loss of limited liability protections. The move represents a direct challenge to the Supreme Court's Citizens United ruling and could serve as a blueprint for similar legislative efforts currently being explored in roughly 30 other states. While the law is expected to face significant constitutional challenges that may reach the U.S. Supreme Court, proponents view it as a critical step toward curbing the influence of massive corporate expenditures in democratic processes.
Topics: Ballot Initiatives Campaign Finance Reform Citizens United Corporate Political Spending Montana Initiative 194