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AN ACT TO ELIMINATE THE REQUIREMENT FOR CAUSE TO RECALL A PUBLIC OFFICIAL; AND AMENDING SECTION 2-16-603, MCA.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MONTANA:

SECTION 1.  Section 2-16-603, MCA is amended to read

"2-16-603. Officers subject to recall -- grounds for recall. (1) Every person holding a public office of the state or any of its political subdivisions, either by election or appointment, is subject to recall from such office.
    (2) A public officer holding an elective office may be recalled by the qualified electors entitled to vote for his successor. A public officer holding an appointive office may be recalled by the qualified electors entitled to vote for the successor or successors of the elective officer or officers who have the authority to appoint a person to that position.
    (3) Physical or mental lack of fitness, incompetence, violation of his oath of office, official misconduct, or conviction of a felony offense enumerated in Title 45 is the only basis for recall.  No person may be recalled for performing a mandatory duty of the office he holds or for not performing any act that, if performed, would subject him to prosecution for official misconduct.  Any reason causing electorate dissatisfaction with a public official shall be sufficient grounds for recall, notwithstanding good faith attempts to perform the duties of his office.  The reason for recall of any public official shall not be subject to review or rejection by any other public official or any court.

NEW SECTION.  Section 3.  Severability.  If a part of this act is invalid, all parts that are severable from the invalid part remain in effect.  If a part of this act is invalid in one or more of its applications, the part remains in effect in all valid applications that are severable from the invalid applications.

NEW SECTION.  Section 4.  This act is effective upon passage.