Breaking down the ballot measures

Residents of Gallatin County will vote on five issues this election cycle.

Constitutional Amendment No. 48

A vote for Constitutional Amendment No. 48 will require law enforcement to obtain a warrant prior to accessing personal electronic data. This amendment aims to protect citizens from unreasonable search and seizure by all current and future government surveillance technology. This bill has bipartisan support, although some believe that it will not change the procedures of law enforcement, as they are already required to obtain a warrant. This Amendment will not affect how private companies store personal data.

Legislative Referendum No. 131

The Born-Alive Infant Protection Act, Legislative Referendum No. 131, establishes that all infants born alive, including infants born alive after an abortion, will be regarded as “legal persons,” which means healthcare providers must take the necessary actions to preserve their life. The bill defines “born alive” as an infant who “breathes, has a beating heart, or has definite movement of voluntary muscles, after the complete expulsion or extraction from the mother.” Healthcare providers can face 20 years imprisonment and a $50,000 fine if they do not take action to preserve the infant’ life. Opposition to this referendum have called this bill propaganda and say that “botched abortions” do not result in live birth. Proponents say that it’s “morally necessary to protect innocent life.”

Gallatin County Medical Marijuana Excise Tax and Gallatin County Non-Medical Marijuana Excise Tax

Gallatin County voters will decide whether to put a 3% tax on the retail value of both non-medical and medical marijuana sold in the county. Two separate measures will appear on ballots to establish the 3% tax on the two different types of marijuana. If passed, the money raised from this tax will be divided into three areas. The county would receive 50% of the money gained from this tax, the cities and towns within Gallatin County would receive 45% and the remaining 5% would go to the Department of Revenue. The county’s portion of the revenue would be used by the Gallatin County Commissioners for mental health services, according to the county. Residents voted on these taxes last June, when both measures were passed by voters. However, notice requirements were not met by the county. Due to this error, voters must revote these issues. If passed, the taxes will go into effect on March 1, 2023. The two taxes are predicted to generate a combined total of $1.32 million annually.

Gallatin County Rest Home Mill Levy

The Gallatin County Rest home is located on 1221 Durston Rd. in Bozeman. The State-licensed nursing facility contains 69 beds, and skilled Medicare/Medicaid coverage that provides long-term, hospice and rehabilitation care. Due to inflation and the increased cost of food and supplies, the rest home is struggling to support its residents. Taxes will be based on the value of the residents property. The estimated tax on a $100,000 property would be $12.15 annually, while the tax on an $1,000,000 property would be $121.50 annually.