Montana Law Faces Federal Lawsuit
The Frontier Institute and state GOP allege I-194 violates free speech rights before the ban takes effect.
By Nadia Rahman ·
A federal lawsuit was filed within hours of Montana voters approving Initiative 194.
The measure, known as the Montana Plan, prohibits artificial entities such as corporations, trusts, and non-profits from funding state and local elections, political parties, or ballot measures. The Frontier Institute, which brought the suit against Attorney General Austin Knudsen and Secretary of State Christi Jacobsen, argues the law unconstitutionally restricts First Amendment speech. They contend the regulation extends beyond traditional political advertising, potentially forcing organizations to cease operations if their research or voter communication is interpreted as supporting or opposing specific candidates.
The Montana Republican Party has joined the legal challenge. The group claims the new statute would block them from publishing their official newsletter. In response, campaign organizers for the initiative stated they anticipated litigation and remain confident in the measure's legal foundation. They characterized the suit as part of a larger effort to silence public will.
Voters approved the measure by a two-to-one margin. It is scheduled to take effect on January 1. A spokesperson for the Montana Department of Justice said the office had not yet been served with the complaint. The Secretary of State’s Office was also contacted for comment but had not responded as of the filing. Similar legislative efforts are currently pending or active in Hawaii, California, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.
