- (1) The term "primary purpose" refers to the major, principal, or important goal, function, or reason for existence of a political committee.
(2) The commissioner may determine that the primary purpose of a political committee is to support or oppose candidates or ballot issues based upon any one or more of the following criteria:
- (a) allocation and source of budget;
- (b) allocation of staff or members' activity;
- (c) articles of organization, articles of incorporation, or other official documentation filed with the State of Montana or the committee’s home state;
- (d) reportable election activity;
- (e) receipt of contributions in response to an appeal or that are designated for a specified candidate, ballot issue, or petition;
- (f) coordination with any candidates or political committees;
- (g) ordinary business actually conducted; or
- (h) the committee’s bylaws.
- (3) The COPP's determination of the primary purpose of a political committee shall be based upon a preponderance of the evidence.
Authorizing statute(s): 13-37-114, MCA
Implementing statute(s): 13-1-101, 13-37-114, 13-37-226, 13-37-232, MCA
History: NEW, 2016 MAR p. 28, Eff. 1/9/16; AMD, 2026 MAR, Notice No. 2025-414, Eff. 1/10/26.