7-3-173. Establishment of study commissions. (1) A study commission may be established by an affirmative vote of the people. An election on the question of conducting a local government review and establishing a study commission must be held if:

(a) the governing body of the local government unit calls for an election by resolution;

(b) a petition signed by at least 15% of the electors of the local government calling for an election is submitted to the governing body; or

(c) 10 years have elapsed since the electors voted on the question of conducting a local government review and establishing a study commission.

(2) The governing body shall call for an election on the question of conducting a local government review and establishing a study commission, as required by Article XI, section 9(2), of the Montana constitution, within 1 year after the 10-year period referred to in subsection (1)(c).