The Montana Legislature convened on March 28, 2025, for a Free Conference Committee meeting focused on House Bill 201. The session, which lasted from 8:51 AM to 9:44 AM, addressed key issues surrounding the bill, particularly regarding the disclosure requirements for paid signature gatherers.

The meeting began with discussions led by Representative Love, who emphasized the importance of transparency in the signature-gathering process. He noted that the bill mandates signature gatherers to disclose their status, which he argued should suffice for public awareness. However, concerns were raised about an amendment that required the inclusion of first names, which some committee members questioned as unnecessary and potentially problematic under Montana law.

Representative Rossi contributed to the discussion by highlighting the risks faced by paid signature gatherers, suggesting that disclosing their first names could expose them to harassment. She argued that while public figures like legislators accept the risks of public scrutiny, paid signature gatherers should not be subjected to similar threats simply for doing their jobs.

The committee also discussed the legal implications of misconduct related to signature gathering. It was noted that there are existing provisions to address issues such as individuals signing petitions multiple times, which could lead to criminal penalties. However, the enforcement of these laws was questioned, as there have been instances where individuals were not prosecuted despite apparent violations.

Senator Ellis, who arrived late to the meeting, sought clarification on the legislative process and the public's prior knowledge of the discussions. Representative Mitchell confirmed that amendments to the bill had been posted publicly prior to the meeting, ensuring transparency in the legislative process.

Overall, the meeting underscored the ongoing debate over the balance between transparency in the electoral process and the safety of individuals involved in signature gathering. The committee's discussions highlighted the complexities of the bill and the need for careful consideration of its implications as they move forward with legislative action.