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SupCo reverses AG Knudsen on powers-of-initiative ballot measure

A ballot initiative protecting Montanans’ right to petition to enact laws can proceed, contrary to a finding from Attorney General Austin Knudsen, the Montana Supreme Court said. In a recent 5-2 opinion, the state Supreme Court said the ideas offered in Ballot Initiative 8 operate together, are closely related

Montana Supreme Court overturns AG on ballot initiative to defend voter-made lawmaking

A ballot initiative meant to bar lawmakers from creating hurdles for citizens who try to enact laws by ballot initiatives may proceed over objections from the state attorney general, the Montana Supreme Court ruled on Friday. In a 5-2 decision, the high court overturned Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen&

Here's a breakdown of the four lawsuits recently filed against AG Austin Knudsen's office

Over the last few months, a steady stream of lawsuits has been filed against the Montana Attorney General by groups trying to get constitutional amendments before voters on 2026 ballots. Clearing the hurdle of the attorney general and secretary of state signing off on these proposals is historically what often

'Serial litigation': Another ballot issue group sues Montana AG over legal determination

A ballot initiative group sued the Montana Attorney General on Monday, another in a slew of lawsuits against the office from groups trying to get their constitutional amendments before voters on the 2026 ballot. Montanans Decide, the group backing the proposed constitutional amendment dealt with in this latest case, sued

'Anti-dark money' ballot initiative group sues Montana Attorney General over recent ruling

A new ballot issue group aiming to rid Montana’s elections of “dark money” filed a petition with the state supreme court earlier this week after Republican Montana Attorney General Knudsen’s office ruled that their proposed constitutional initiative did not meet legal standards. To get a constitutional question before

Meet mayoral candidate Douglas Fischer

Meet mayoral candidate Douglas Fischer

While in high school, a teacher told a young Douglas Fischer that democracy works when people show up and get involved. After nine years serving in the public sphere, he is aiming to bring this sentiment to the mayoral seat. Fischer is a journalist-turned-city-commissioner seeking to bring

Meet mayoral candidate John Meyer

Meet mayoral candidate John Meyer

On the front porch of his home, John Meyer told the Exponent why he moved to Montana in 1999. “I came for the mountains and stayed for the people,” he said. Meyer is running for mayor in Bozeman’s upcoming election. A first-generation college graduate, he holds an undergraduate