HELENA – A Senate panel has swiftly scuttled a proposal to reduce the size of the Montana Legislature.
Republican state Sen. Jason Priest of Red Lodge on Tuesday pitched state law and constitutional changes in two different bills. They would ultimately reduce the size of the state House from 100 members to 80, and the size of the state Senate from 50 to 40.
Priest argued it would save money, reduce the number of bills the Legislature must churn through, and create more competitive races.
But the Senate Judiciary Committee on Tuesday tabled the bill on a 6-5 vote shortly after the hearing.
Opponents say the changes are unnecessary and would make lawmakers’ districts too big.