The Montana Supreme Court has upheld Attorney General Austin Knudsen’s determination that a ballot initiative to curb corporate spending in political campaigns is unconstitutional. This decision follows a proposal by former public officials aiming to amend laws that allow corporate donations to political campaigns, thus challenging the U.S. Supreme Court’s Citizens United ruling. The initiative targeted businesses, nonprofits, and other incorporated entities operating within Montana, intending to stop them from contributing to political campaigns and committees that influence elections.
Despite plans to appear on the ballot, the initiative faced legal challenges from the outset. In October, Knudsen rejected the proposal, citing its impact on multiple areas of the state Constitution, which requires separate votes for distinct amendments. Jeff Mangan, the key advocate and ex-state commissioner of political practices, vowed to contest this decision. The state Supreme Court confirmed the violation of Article XIV, Section 11, which mandates voting on each constitutional issue separately.
The Supreme Court’s decision identified at least two constitutional changes in the proposal. It would both limit and grant powers to entities such as businesses and nonprofits unrelated to elections. “[…I]n this case, a voter may want to limit artificial persons’ ability to spend money on election or ballot-issue activity but not limit any other powers that artificial persons may currently exercise in this state,” stated the court ruling.
Undeterred, Mangan expressed intent to refile the ballot initiative swiftly, highlighting the public’s concern over corporate and dark money’s influence in politics. “Montana has a citizens’ initiative process that we can all be proud of, one that allows Montanans to roll up their sleeves to enact positive change for the betterment of family, friends, and neighbors,” he stated, pledging a quick re-submission.
He added, “We appreciate and respect the work of the Court. We are grateful for the guidance and understand what the Court is saying. We will re-file by the end of this week.”
Reporter Zeke Lloyd contributed to this story.
This story’s headline was updated Jan. 6, 2026, to reflect that the attorney general’s finding was that the ballot issue was legally insufficient. It was also updated to add comment from the ballot issue’s supporter.
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