Montana lawmakers would choose and oversee constitutional convention representatives

Lawmakers would choose permanent representatives and oversee their service with an advisory committee. These rules would cover Montana’s representatives at a convention to propose U.S. constitutional amendments. Representatives must be at least 18, registered Montana voters, U.S. citizens for at least 10 years, and Montana residents for at least five years. Eligibility rules exclude recent federal lobbyists, federal officeholders, federal contractors, and most federal employees, along with people with specified felony convictions. Representatives could not hold statewide office while serving, but state legislators could serve.

Representatives would have to follow lawmakers’ instructions and limits on convention votes. Allowed subjects would come from Montana’s application if it helped trigger the convention; otherwise, they would come from the 34 state applications that triggered it. Representatives could not support changing the convention rule giving each state one vote. They could not vote for amendments altering specific constitutional guarantees of individual liberty. The legislature could issue additional instructions at any time.

Representatives would face a $200 combined limit on gifts and benefits during their service. The limit would apply to each convention representative. Customary gifts from family members would be exempt. An employer could continue paying a representative’s current salary. Benefits would include loans, lodging, food, and offers of future employment.

The delegation would choose one representative to speak with the media about convention business. The media restriction would cover all other Montana convention representatives. Representatives would have to avoid giving outsiders the impression that the delegation is divided on a position it has formally taken. They could still express opinions and debate at the convention on matters without a formal delegation position. Violations could lead to suspension or recall. The media restriction would apply during the convention, including temporary recesses and adjournments.