Vote NO on SI-194
Family-owned businesses across Montana, from the ones that sponsor Little League teams to those that back school bonds and speak up at city council meetings, would lose their voice under I-194. It defines “artificial persons” so broadly that it sweeps in nonprofits, trade associations, and small businesses alike.ย Even sharing information “of value” about a ballot measure could put their right to operate in Montana at risk.
- Yet I-194 exempts individuals and PACs entirely. So, billionaires can still give unlimited money to political action committees (PACs), or 501(c)(4) nonprofit to lobby without limit and without ever disclosing its donors.ย Exactly like I-194’s own campaign has done with over $170,000 in undisclosed cash.
I-194 doesn’t eliminate dark money in politics. It just silences local voices, while anonymous billionaires get a free pass.
Sources:
Frontier Institute. (n.d.). Frontier Institute issues statement of opposition to Initiative 194. https://frontierinstitute.org/frontier-institute-issues-statement-of-opposition-to-initiative-194
Montana Republican Party. (2026, July 9). MTGOP passes resolution formally opposing Initiative 194 (I-194), also known as the Montana Plan. https://mtgop.org/blog/2026/07/09/mtgop-passes-resolution-formally-opposing-initiative-194-i-194-also-known-as-the-montana-plan/
