HELENA — Three Montana lawmakers say they will introduce legislation next year to prohibit the use of Montana’s government-owned airplane for campaign purposes.
The Republican legislators — Sen. Mark Blasdel, Rep. Ryan Osmundson and Rep. Brad Tschida — announced their plans amid continuing controversy over Gov. Steve Bullock’s use of the aircraft.
The proposal wouldn’t allow the aircraft to be used for travel to places less than 120 miles from Helena, unless it’s an emergency. It would also bar use of the plane for trips that include campaigning.
Earlier this year, Bullock reimbursed the state nearly $2,700 for campaign events that coincided with state business.
Tschida and Osmundson, who both face re-election, want the governor to foot more of the bill.
The governor’s spokeswoman, Ronja Abel, says Bullock has used the aircraft “less on average” than any previous governor.