MT HJ48

Requests the Legislative Council to designate an interim committee to study moving Montana's primary election from its current date (first Tuesday after the first Monday in June) to earlier in the election cycle

Montana's primary currently occurs after 42 other states and territories, and presidential nominees for both major parties have been decided before Montana votes in every contest since 2008

Study must examine impacts on existing election deadlines, decennial redistricting timelines, school and local elections, election administrators, and identify opportunities for consolidation

Requires consultation with county election administrators, Secretary of State, local and tribal governments, school officials, Office of Public Instruction, and interested citizens

Study must be completed by September 15, 2026, with draft legislation for a new primary date ready for introduction in the 70th Legislature