Montana Title 7. Local Government § 7-3-4222. Adoption of ordinances--petition to protest--election

(1) Each ordinance or resolution appropriating money, ordering any street or sewer improvement, making or authorizing the making of any contract, or granting any franchise or right to occupy or use the streets, highways, bridges, or public places in the city for any purpose must be complete in the form in which it is finally passed and remain on file with the city clerk for public inspection at least 1 week before the final passage or adoption of the ordinance or resolution.

(2) An ordinance passed by the council, except when otherwise required by the general laws of this state or the provisions of this part and except an ordinance for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety that contains a statement of its urgency and is passed by a two-thirds vote of the council, may not go into effect before 10 days from the time of its final passage. If during the 10-day period a petition protesting against the ordinance and signed by at least 25% of the qualified electors of the city registered for the last preceding general city election is presented to the council, the ordinance is suspended from going into operation and the council shall reconsider the ordinance. If the ordinance is not entirely repealed, the council shall submit the ordinance to the vote of the electors of the city in an election conducted in accordance with Title 13, chapter 1, part 4. The ordinance may not go into effect or become operative unless a majority of the electors voting on the ordinance vote in favor of its adoption.