The so-called “Montana Plan” is an assault on civil society and private giving.

People United for Privacy (PUFP) today published an analysis of Montana ballot initiative I-194, dubbed “The Montana Plan Act” by its backers. Modeled after the Center for American Progress’ “Corporate Power Reset” scheme, I-194 would prohibit corporations, including nonprofits, from “contributing anything of value to candidate elections, supporting or opposing political parties, or supporting or opposing state or local ballot issues.”

As PUFP’s analysis explains, the proposal’s far-reaching consequences would effectively silence charities, churches, neighborhood groups, think tanks, advocacy nonprofits, labor unions, trade associations, and businesses in election-related debates. Even corporations organized under a different state’s laws would be subject to I-194’s prohibitions.

Critically, the policy intends to force Montanans seeking to pool resources to speak about candidates, elected officials, ballot measures, and policy debates to do so via donations to PACs and super PACs. These contributions carry extensive registration, reporting, and donor disclosure requirements that publicly expose citizens’ home addresses and employers, putting them and their families at risk of harassment and retaliation for their beliefs.

Download the analysis here to explore five key consequences of I-194 for Montana nonprofits, associations, and donors.

Paid for by People United for Privacy. Heather Lauer, CEO. 1025 Thomas Jefferson Street NW, Suite 400 West, Washington, D.C. 20007