Montana’s 2015 campaign finance disclosure law is a shining example among the 50 states. That’s a conclusion of the Helena-based National Institute for Money in State Politics.
The institute (followthemoney.org on the web) compiled a report card of “Essential Disclosure Requirements for Contributions to State Campaigns, 2016.” Montana was one of 10 states earning an A. The biggest factor in this grade is electronic filing and online posting of contribution and spending reports from candidates, committees and others who are required to report spending to influence Montana elections. Electronic reporting is now the law in Montana, thanks the bipartisan Disclose Act.
The report rated Maine highest with a perfect score of 100 points, and Mississippi lowest with 37 points — and no electronic filing. With the bipartisan 2015 Disclose Act now in force, Montana scored 92.5 points, far better than its neighbors