Joe Read

HB551 Right to Carry in Montana's Constitution (failed 62 to 34, with two-thirds needed, on 5/2/2023). Would propose to amend Montana’s Constitution by declaring that it is the “right of any person to keep and bear arms” and removing the restrictive clause regarding the carrying of concealed weapons.

SJ15 Resolution on Marbury v. Madison (failed 44 to 55 on 4/12/2023). Resolves that “the belief that the court has exclusive authority to interpret the constitution and that its decisions are binding on the other two branches is a myth based on a faulty understanding" of the U.S. Supreme Court's opinion in Marbury v. Madison.

HB598 Prohibiting Ranked-Choice Voting (passed 56 to 43 on 3/2/2023). Prohibits a ranked-choice voting method from being used to determine the election or nomination of a candidate to a local, state, or federal office.

HB604 "Sheriffs First" Bill (failed 32 to 68 on 3/2/2023). Would require federal employees to obtain the county sheriff’s written permission prior to making an “arrest, search, or seizure” in the state.

HB527 Defend the Guard Act (failed 40 to 60 on 3/2/2023). Would have prevented any member of the Montana National Guard from being deployed for active duty combat without Congress passing an “official declaration of war.”

HJ13 Article V Convention: Balanced Budget Amendment (failed 29 to 70 on 3/1/2023). Would apply to Congress for a “convention of the states” under Article V of the U.S. Constitution for the “sole purpose” of proposing a federal balanced budget amendment (BBA).

HB257 Emergency Orders (Passed 68 to 31 on 4/29/2021). Prohibits emergency orders from restricting the ability of private business to conduct business.

HB702 Vaccination Discrimination (Passed 64 to 32 on 4/28/2021).  Prohibits employers from inquiring about the vaccination status of their employees.

HB176 Voter Registration (Passed 65 to 35 on 3/30/2021). Closes late voter registration at noon the day before the election instead of having same day registration.

HB570 Nullification (Rejected 47 to 52 on 3/2/2021). Prohibits infringement of Montana’s constitutional right to nullify any federal statute, mandate, or executive order that may be considered unconstitutional.

HB121 Health Board Accountability (Passed 68 to 31 on 3/1/2021). Ensures that local health board are more accountable to elected officials.

HB258 Gun Rights - Nullification (Passed 66 to 33 on 2/27/2021). Prohibits government entities from allocating funds or using resources to enforce unconstitutional federal gun bans.