13-37-501. Definitions, MCA

Montana Code Annotated 2025

TITLE 13. ELECTIONS

CHAPTER 37. CONTROL OF CAMPAIGN PRACTICES

Part 5. Prohibiting Foreign Influence in Elections

Definitions

13-37-501. Definitions. As used in this part, the following definitions apply:

(1) "Entity" means a partnership, association, limited liability company, joint venture, corporation, or any other legal or commercial organization, or a combination of entities.

(2) "Foreign national" means:

(a) a government of a foreign country;

(b) a political party of a foreign country;

(c) an entity located outside of the United States unless that entity:

(i) is organized under or created under federal law, state law, or the law of another place subject to the jurisdiction of the United States; and

(ii) has its principal place of business within the United States;

(d) an entity that:

(i) is organized under the laws of a foreign country; or

(ii) has its principal place of business in a foreign country;

(e) an individual who is not lawfully admitted for the privilege of residing permanently in the United States as an immigrant in accordance with immigration laws and who is not:

(i) a citizen of the United States; or

(ii) a person who, though not a citizen of the United States, owes permanent allegiance to the United States; and

(f) any U.S. entity that is wholly or majority owned by any foreign national, unless:

(i) the entity employs individuals who pay income tax to the state of Montana and the entity pays property taxes to a taxing authority in the state of Montana; or

(ii) (A) any contribution or expenditure it makes derives entirely from funds generated by the U.S. entity's U.S. operations; and

(B) all decisions concerning the contribution or expenditure are made by individuals who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents, except for setting overall budget amounts.

History: En. Sec. 1, Ch. 330, L. 2019; amd. Sec. 2, Ch. 730, L. 2025.