Archives West Finding Aid

The Montana Constitution Revision Commission was created by the state's 41st Legislative Assembly on April 1, 1969, to "conduct a detailed study of the Montana Constitution, [and] compile factual data on whether the constitution impairs effective state government." The Commission membership numbered sixteen with four each being appointed by the governor, the Supreme Court, the Senate Committee on Committees, and the speaker of the House. Senator John K. McDonald was chairman of the Commission and Representative James E. Murphy served as vice chairman. Dale A. Harris was administrative assistant and executive director for the Commission.

It was recommended by the Commission that a constitutional convention be called as the most desirable method for changing the constitution. In order to accomplish this, the Commission prepared a constitutional convention enabling act, Referendum 67, which was presented to the voters at the November 3, 1970, general election.

A public information program was initiated by the Commission to promote passage of Referendum 67. This included an advertising campaign, working with various organizations (such as the Montana Education Association and the League of Women Voters of Montana) around the state to pass resolutions supporting the referendum, and the creation of the Montana Constitutional Convention Committee. This Committee, chaired by James R. Felt of Billings, was a private organization which promoted a constitutional convention through a network of county committees.

Referendum 67 was approved by the electorate by a two-thirds vote and the 42nd Legislative Assembly adopted the enabling act. The constitutional convention was convened on November 29, 1971.

The Montana Constitution Revision Commission ceased to function on March 31, 1971.