A Lewis and Clark District Court judge is allowing signature gathering to continue for a constitutional initiative that would cap property taxes in Montana.
A different judge had previously blocked signature gathering for the proposal that supporters hope to put on the next ballot. That move came amid a legal challenge from the state’s public employee union and a few business owners who allege the state failed to properly vet the proposed initiative as required by law.
The Montana State News Bureau first reported that Judge Christopher Abbott ruled Tuesday that signature gathering can continue, saying in his order there’s no harm in allowing it while the court challenge plays out.
Supporters will need to collect more than 60,000 signatures by June 17 to get the initiative on the November 2022 ballot.