FrankGoortani/open-us-law huggingface dataset:
Mt. Const. art. VI, § 15 — Article VI / Section 15
MT Const., Article VI, Section 15
Status: in_force

Information for governor. (1) The governor may require information in writing, under oath when required, from the officers of the executive branch upon any subject relating to the duties of their respective offices. (2) He may require information in writing, under oath, from all officers and managers of state institutions. (3) He may appoint a committee to investigate and report to him upon the condition of any executive office or state institution.
Mt. Const. art. XIV, § 11 — Article XIV / Section 11
MT Const., Article XIV, Section 11
Status: in_force

Submission. If more than one amendment is submitted at the same election, each shall be so prepared and distinguished that it can be voted upon separately. Done in open convention at the city of Helena, in the state of Montana, this twenty-second day of March, in the year of our Lord one thousand nine hundred and seventy-two. TRANSITION SCHEDULE [ edit ] The following provisions shall remain part of this Constitution until their terms have been executed. Once each year the attorney general shall review the following provisions and certify to the secretary of state which, if any, have been executed. Any provisions so certified shall thereafter be removed from this Schedule and no longer published as part of this Constitution.
Mt. Const. art. IV, § 2 — Article IV / Section 2
MT Const., Article IV, Section 2
Status: in_force

Qualified elector. Any citizen of the United States 18 years of age or older who meets the registration and residence requirements provided by law is a qualified elector unless he is serving a sentence for a felony in a penal institution or is of unsound mind, as determined by a court.
Mt. Const. art. VI, § 12 — Article VI / Section 12
MT Const., Article VI, Section 12
Status: in_force

Pardons. The governor may grant reprieves, commutations and pardons, restore citizenship, and suspend and remit fines and forfeitures subject to procedures provided by law.
Mt. Const. art. V, § 10 — Article V / Section 10
MT Const., Article V, Section 10
Status: in_force

Organization and procedure. (1) Each house shall judge the election and qualifications of its members. It may by law vest in the courts the power to try and determine contested elections. Each house shall choose its officers from among its members, keep a journal, and make rules for its proceedings. Each house may expel or punish a member for good cause shown with the concurrence of two-thirds of all its members. (2) A majority of each house constitutes a quorum. A smaller number may adjourn from day to day and compel attendance of absent members. (3) The sessions of the legislature and of the committee of the whole, all committee meetings, and all hearings shall be open to the public. (4) The legislature may establish a legislative council and other interim committees. The legislature shall establish a legislative post-audit committee which shall supervise post-auditing duties provided by law. (5) Neither house shall, without the consent of the other, adjourn or recess for more than three days or to any place other than that in which the two houses are sitting.
Mt. Const. art. VI, § 13 — Article VI / Section 13
MT Const., Article VI, Section 13
Status: in_force

Militia. (1) The governor is commander-in-chief of the militia forces of the state, except when they are in the actual service of the United States. He may call out any part or all of the forces to aid in the execution of the laws, suppress insurrection, repel invasion, or protect life and property in natural disasters. (2) The militia forces shall consist of all able-bodied citizens of the state except those exempted by law.
Mt. Const. art. IX, § 5 — Article IX / Section 5
MT Const., Article IX, Section 5
Status: in_force

Severance tax on coal -- trust fund. The legislature shall dedicate not less than one-fourth (1/4) of the coal severance tax to a trust fund, the interest and income from which may be appropriated. The principal of the trust shall forever remain inviolate unless appropriated by vote of three-fourths (3/4) of the members of each house of the legislature. After December 31, 1979, at least fifty percent (50%) of the severance tax shall be dedicated to the trust fund. History: En. Sec. 1, Const. Amend. No. 3, approved Nov. 2, 1976.
Mt. Const. art. VIII, § 9 — Article VIII / Section 9
MT Const., Article VIII, Section 9
Status: in_force

Balanced budget. Appropriations by the legislature shall not exceed anticipated revenue.
Mt. Const. art. II, § 2 — Article II / Section 2
MT Const., Article II, Section 2
Status: in_force

Self-government. The people have the exclusive right of governing themselves as a free, sovereign, and independent state. They may alter or abolish the constitution and form of government whenever they deem it necessary.
Mt. Const. art. III, § 6 — Article III / Section 6
MT Const., Article III, Section 6
Status: in_force

Elections. The people shall vote on initiative and referendum measures at the general election unless the legislature orders a special election.
Mt. Const. art. XI, § 3 — Article XI / Section 3
MT Const., Article XI, Section 3
Status: in_force

Forms of government. (1) The legislature shall provide methods for governing local government units and procedures for incorporating, classifying, merging, consolidating, and dissolving such units, and altering their boundaries. The legislature shall provide such optional or alternative forms of government that each unit or combination of units may adopt, amend, or abandon an optional or alternative form by a majority of those voting on the question. (2) One optional form of county government includes, but is not limited to, the election of three county commissioners, a clerk and recorder, a clerk of district court, a county attorney, a sheriff, a treasurer, a surveyor, a county superintendent of schools, an assessor, a coroner, and a public administrator. The terms, qualifications, duties, and compensation of those offices shall be provided by law. The Board of county commissioners may consolidate two or more such offices. The Boards of two or more counties may provide for a joint office and for the election of one official to perform the duties of any such office in those counties.
Mt. Const. art. I, § 17 — Article I / Section 17
MT Const., Article I, Section 17
Status: in_force

Due process of law. No person shall be deprived of life, liberty, or property without due process of law.
Mt. Const. art. V, § 9 — Article V / Section 9
MT Const., Article V, Section 9
Status: in_force

Disqualification. No member of the legislature shall, during the term for which he shall have been elected, be appointed to any civil office under the state; and no member of congress, or other person holding an office (except notary public , or the militia) under the United States or this state, shall be a member of the legislature during his continuance in office.
Mt. Const. art. V, § 14 — Article V / Section 14
MT Const., Article V, Section 14
Status: in_force

Districting and apportionment. (1) The state shall be divided into as many districts as there are members of the house, and each district shall elect one representative. Each senate district shall be composed of two adjoining house districts, and shall elect one senator. Each district shall consist of compact and contiguous territory. All districts shall be as nearly equal in population as is practicable. (2) In the legislative session following ratification of this constitution and thereafter in each session preceding each federal population census, a commission of five citizens, none of whom may be public officials, shall be selected to prepare a plan for redistricting and reapportioning the state into legislative districts and a plan for redistricting the state into congressional districts. The majority and minority leaders of each house shall each designate one commissioner. Within 20 days after their designation, the four commissioners shall select the fifth member, who shall serve as chairman of the commission. If the four members fail to select the fifth member within the time prescribed, a majority of the supreme court shall select him. (3) Within 90 days after the official final decennial census figures are available, the commission shall file its final plan for congressional districts with the secretary of state and it shall become law. (4) The commission shall submit its plan for legislative districts to the legislature at the first regular session after its appointment or after the census figures are available. Within 30 days after submission, the legislature shall return the plan to the commission with its recommendations. Within 30 days thereafter, the commission shall file its final plan for legislative districts with the secretary of state and it shall become law. (5) Upon filing both plans, the commission is then dissolved. History: Amd. Const. Amend. No. 14, approved Nov. 6, 1984.
Mt. Const. art. XII, § 4 — Article XII / Section 4
MT Const., Article XII, Section 4
Status: in_force

Montana tobacco settlement trust fund. (1) The legislature shall dedicate not less than two-fifths of any tobacco settlement proceeds received on or after January 1, 2001, to a trust fund, nine-tenths of the interest and income of which may be appropriated. One-tenth of the interest and income derived from the trust fund on or after January 1, 2001, shall be deposited in the trust fund. The principal of the trust fund and one-tenth of the interest and income deposited in the trust fund shall remain forever inviolate unless appropriated by a vote of two-thirds of the members of each house of the legislature. (2) Appropriations of the interest, income, or principal from the trust fund shall be used only for tobacco disease prevention programs and state programs providing benefits, services, or coverage that are related to the health care needs of the people of Montana and may not be used for other purposes. (3) Appropriations of the interest, income, or principal from the trust fund shall not be used to replace state or federal money used to fund tobacco disease prevention programs and state programs that existed on December 31, 1999, providing benefits, services, or coverage of the health care needs of the people of Montana. History: En. Sec. 1, Const. Amend. No. 35, approved Nov. 7, 2000.
Mt. Const. art. II, § 22 — Article II / Section 22
MT Const., Article II, Section 22
Status: in_force

Excessive sanctions. Excessive bail shall not be required, or excessive fines imposed, or cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.
Mt. Const. art. X, § 8 — Article X / Section 8
MT Const., Article X, Section 8
Status: in_force

School district trustees. The supervision and control of schools in each school district shall be vested in a board of trustees to be elected as provided by law.
Mt. Const. art. II, § 11 — Article II / Section 11
MT Const., Article II, Section 11
Status: in_force

Searches and seizures. The people shall be secure in their persons, papers, homes and effects from unreasonable searches and seizures. No warrant to search any place, or seize any person or thing shall issue without describing the place to be searched or the person or thing to be seized, or without probable cause, supported by oath or affirmation reduced to writing.
Mt. Const. art. X, § 11 — Article X / Section 11
MT Const., Article X, Section 11
Status: in_force

Public land trust, disposition. (1) All lands of the state that have been or may be granted by congress, or acquired by gift or grant or devise from any person or corporation, shall be public lands of the state. They shall be held in trust for the people, to be disposed of as hereafter provided, for the respective purposes for which they have been or may be granted, donated or devised. (2) No such land or any estate or interest therein shall ever be disposed of except in pursuance of general laws providing for such disposition, or until the full market value of the estate or interest disposed of, to be ascertained in such manner as may be provided by law, has been paid or safely secured to the state. (3) No land which the state holds by grant from the United States which prescribes the manner of disposal and minimum price shall be disposed of except in the manner and for at least the price prescribed without the consent of the United States. (4) All public land shall be classified by the board of land commissioners in a manner provided by law. Any public land may be exchanged for other land, public or private, which is equal in value and, as closely as possible, equal in area.
Mt. Const. art. I, § 9 — Article I / Section 9
MT Const., Article I, Section 9
Status: in_force

Amendment by initiative. (1) The people may also propose constitutional amendments by initiative. Petitions including the full text of the proposed amendment shall be signed by at least ten percent of the qualified electors of the state. That number shall include at least ten percent of the qualified electors in each of at least one-half of the counties. (2) The petitions shall be filed with the secretary of state. If the petitions are found to have been signed by the required number of electors, the secretary of state shall cause the amendment to be published as provided by law twice each month for two months previous to the next regular state-wide election. (3) At that election, the proposed amendment shall be submitted to the qualified electors for approval or rejection. If approved by a majority voting thereon, it shall become a part of the constitution effective the first day of July following its approval, unless the amendment provides otherwise. History: Amd. Const. Amend. No. 37, approved Nov. 5, 2002.
Mt. Const. art. V, § 7 — Article V / Section 7
MT Const., Article V, Section 7
Status: in_force

Vacancies. A vacancy in the legislature shall be filled by special election for the unexpired term unless otherwise provided by law.
Mt. Const. art. II, § 35 — Article II / Section 35
MT Const., Article II, Section 35
Status: in_force

Servicemen, servicewomen, and veterans. The people declare that Montana servicemen, servicewomen, and veterans may be given special considerations determined by the legislature.
Mt. Const. art. I, § 15 — Article I / Section 15
MT Const., Article I, Section 15
Status: in_force

Public retirement system assets. (1) Public retirement systems shall be funded on an actuarially sound basis. Public retirement system assets, including income and actuarially required contributions, shall not be encumbered, diverted, reduced, or terminated and shall be held in trust to provide benefits to participants and their beneficiaries and to defray administrative expenses. (2) The governing boards of public retirement systems shall administer the system, including actuarial determinations, as fiduciaries of system participants and their beneficiaries. History: En. Sec. 2, Const. Amend. No. 25, approved Nov. 8, 1994.
Mt. Const. art. V, § 6 — Article V / Section 6
MT Const., Article V, Section 6
Status: in_force

Sessions. The legislature shall meet each odd-numbered year in regular session of not more than 90 legislative days. Any legislature may increase the limit on the length of any subsequent session. The legislature may be convened in special sessions by the governor or at the written request of a majority of the members. History: Amd. Const. Initiative No. 1, approved Nov. 5, 1974.
Mt. Const. art. II, § 21 — Article II / Section 21
MT Const., Article II, Section 21
Status: in_force

Bail. All persons shall be bailable by sufficient sureties, except for capital offenses, when the proof is evident or the presumption great.
Mt. Const. art. VI, § 14 — Article VI / Section 14
MT Const., Article VI, Section 14
Status: in_force

Succession. (1) If the governor-elect is disqualified or dies, the lieutenant governor-elect upon qualifying for the office shall become governor for the full term. If the governor-elect fails to assume office for any other reason, the lieutenant governor-elect upon qualifying as such shall serve as acting governor until the governor-elect is able to assume office, or until the office becomes vacant. (2) The lieutenant governor shall serve as acting governor when so requested in writing by the governor. After the governor has been absent from the state for more than 45 consecutive days, the lieutenant governor shall serve as acting governor. (3) He shall serve as acting governor when the governor is so disabled as to be unable to communicate to the lieutenant governor the fact of his inability to perform the duties of his office. The lieutenant governor shall continue to serve as acting governor until the governor is able to resume the duties of his office. (4) Whenever, at any other time, the lieutenant governor and attorney general transmit to the legislature their written declaration that the governor is unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office, the legislature shall convene to determine whether he is able to do so. (5) If the legislature, within 21 days after convening, determines by two-thirds vote of its members that the governor is unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office, the lieutenant governor shall serve as acting governor. Thereafter, when the governor transmits to the legislature his written declaration that no inability exists, he shall resume the powers and duties of his office within 15 days, unless the legislature determines otherwise by two-thirds vote of its members. If the legislature so determines, the lieutenant governor shall continue to serve as acting governor. (6) If the office of governor becomes vacant by reason of death, resignation, or disqualification, the lieutenant governor shall become governor for the remainder of the term, except as provided in this constitution. (7) Additional succession to fill vacancies shall be provided by law. (8) When there is a vacancy in the office of governor, the successor shall be the governor. The acting governor shall have the powers and duties of the office of governor only for the period during which he serves.
Mt. Const. art. I, § 7 — Article I / Section 7
MT Const., Article I, Section 7
Status: in_force

Convention duties. The convention shall meet after the election of the delegates and prepare such revisions, alterations, or amendments to the constitution as may be deemed necessary. They shall be submitted to the qualified electors for ratification or rejection as a whole or in separate articles or amendments as determined by the convention at an election appointed by the convention for that purpose not less than two months after adjournment. Unless so submitted and approved by a majority of the electors voting thereon, no such revision, alteration, or amendment shall take effect.
Mt. Const. art. VIII, § 12 — Article VIII / Section 12
MT Const., Article VIII, Section 12
Status: in_force

Strict accountability. The legislature shall by law insure strict accountability of all revenue received and money spent by the state and counties, cities, towns, and all other local governmental entities.
Mt. Const. art. I, § 10 — Article I / Section 10
MT Const., Article I, Section 10
Status: in_force

Petition signers. The number of qualified electors required for the filing of any petition provided for in this Article shall be determined by the number of votes cast for the office of governor in the preceding general election.
Mt. Const. art. VII, § 3 — Article VII / Section 3
MT Const., Article VII, Section 3
Status: in_force

Supreme court organization. (1) The supreme court consists of one chief justice and four justices, but the legislature may increase the number of justices from four to six. A majority shall join in and pronounce decisions, which must be in writing. (2) A district judge shall be substituted for the chief justice or a justice in the event of disqualification or disability, and the opinion of the district judge sitting with the supreme court shall have the same effect as an opinion of a justice.
Mt. Const. art. V, § 8 — Article V / Section 8
MT Const., Article V, Section 8
Status: in_force

Immunity. A member of the legislature is privileged from arrest during attendance at sessions of the legislature and in going to and returning therefrom, unless apprehended in the commission of a felony or a breach of the peace. He shall not be questioned in any other place for any speech or debate in the legislature.
Mt. Const. art. VIII, § 11 — Article VIII / Section 11
MT Const., Article VIII, Section 11
Status: in_force

Use of loan proceeds. All money borrowed by or on behalf of the state or any county, city, town, or other local governmental entity shall be used only for purposes specified in the authorizing law.
Mt. Const. art. X, § 10 — Article X / Section 10
MT Const., Article X, Section 10
Status: in_force

State university funds. The funds of the Montana university system and of all other state institutions of learning, from whatever source accruing, shall forever remain inviolate and sacred to the purpose for which they were dedicated. The various funds shall be respectively invested under such regulations as may be provided by law, and shall be guaranteed by the state against loss or diversion. The interest from such invested funds, together with the rent from leased lands or properties, shall be devoted to the maintenance and perpetuation of the respective institutions.
Mt. Const. art. II, § 16 — Article II / Section 16
MT Const., Article II, Section 16
Status: in_force

The administration of justice. Courts of justice shall be open to every person, and speedy remedy afforded for every injury of person, property, or character. No person shall be deprived of this full legal redress for injury incurred in employment for which another person may be liable except as to fellow employees and his immediate employer who hired him if such immediate employer provides coverage under the Workmen's Compensation Laws of this state. Right and justice shall be administered without sale, denial, or delay.
Mt. Const. art. XIV, § 2 — Article XIV / Section 2
MT Const., Article XIV, Section 2
Status: in_force

Delayed effective date. Executed (certified by letter, December 4, 1974).
Mt. Const. art. VI, § 9 — Article VI / Section 9
MT Const., Article VI, Section 9
Status: in_force

Budget and messages. The governor shall at the beginning of each legislative session, and may at other times, give the legislature information and recommend measures he considers necessary. The governor shall submit to the legislature at a time fixed by law, a budget for the ensuing fiscal period setting forth in detail for all operating funds the proposed expenditures and estimated revenue of the state.
Mt. Const. art. I, § 11 — Article I / Section 11
MT Const., Article I, Section 11
Status: in_force

Submission. If more than one amendment is submitted at the same election, each shall be so prepared and distinguished that it can be voted upon separately. Done in open convention at the city of Helena, in the state of Montana, this twenty-second day of March, in the year of our Lord one thousand nine hundred and seventy-two. TRANSITION SCHEDULE [ edit ] The following provisions shall remain part of this Constitution until their terms have been executed. Once each year the attorney general shall review the following provisions and certify to the secretary of state which, if any, have been executed. Any provisions so certified shall thereafter be removed from this Schedule and no longer published as part of this Constitution.
Mt. Const. art. VIII, § 16 — Article VIII / Section 16
MT Const., Article VIII, Section 16
Status: in_force

Limitation on sales tax or use tax rates. The rate of a general statewide sales tax or use tax may not exceed 4%. History: En. Sec. 1, Const. Amend. No. 27, approved Nov. 8, 1994.