Montana Law "ARTICLE XIV CONSTITUTIONAL REVISION"
Montana Constitution – Article XIV: Constitutional Revision
Article XIV of the Montana Constitution outlines the processes for amending or revising the state constitution. It provides multiple methods for constitutional change, ensuring both the legislature and the people have roles in shaping the state's foundational document.
🔹 Section 1. Constitutional Convention
The legislature may submit the question of whether to hold a constitutional convention.
A majority vote of each house is required.
The question must be submitted to voters at least every 20 years, even if not initiated by the legislature.
If approved by voters, a convention is called to propose changes or revisions.
🔹 Section 2. Convention Procedure
If voters approve calling a convention:
Delegates are elected.
The legislature provides laws for delegate election, the convention process, and how to submit proposed revisions to voters.
Proposed changes require voter approval to take effect.
🔹 Section 3. Submission of Amendments
Amendments may be proposed in two ways:
Legislative Proposal:
Requires a 2/3 vote of each house.
Then submitted to voters for approval.
Citizen Initiative:
Requires a petition with valid signatures equal to 10% of qualified voters in at least 2/5 of the legislative districts.
Also submitted to voters.
🔹 Section 4. Approval
Amendments or revisions become effective only if they are approved by a majority of the voters in a general election.
🔹 Section 5. Limitation
No more than one amendment may be submitted to the people by the legislature for each article of the Constitution at a single election, unless the amendments are “substantially unrelated.”
✅ Key Takeaways
Dual process: Revisions can be proposed either by the legislature or through citizen initiatives.
Voter involvement is essential: No change takes effect without a public vote.
A constitutional convention is a broader process for more comprehensive revisions.
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