29 March 2019 — 1440 mdt

Something odd is happening with HB-318

House Bill 318, carried by Rep. Frank Garner (R-Kalispell, HD-7), amends laws governing the central committees of political parties in Montana. It passed the MT House 61–38 on its third reading on 19 February. All 42 Democrats and 19 Republicans voted Aye. Thirty-eight Republicans voted No.

More than a month later, on 25 March, the bill was heard by the MT Senate’s state administration committee. I’m told the bill was not well received. Two days later, before the committee voted on the bill, it was blasted out of the committee 29–20. All 20 Democrats and ten Republicans voted for the blast. Twenty Republicans voted against the blast.

As far as I can determine, the second reading has not been scheduled, and I’ve received unconfirmed reports that at least one legislator who voted for HB-318 now wants the bill dead.

A blast before a committee vote is legal, but unusual. Something peculiar is happening. If you know what’s afoot, please email me at tips@flatheadmemo.com. I’ll not reveal your name or publish a trail leading back to you, but I do need to know who you are.