Administrative Rules of Montana
Department 44 - SECRETARY OF STATE
Chapter 44.11 - COMMISSIONER OF POLITICAL PRACTICES
Subchapter 44.11.4 - Reporting Contributions
Rule 44.11.401 - CONTRIBUTION - DEFINITION

(1) For the purposes of Title 13, chapters 35 and 37, MCA, and these rules, the term "contribution" as defined in 13-1-101, MCA, includes:

(2) For the purposes of determining compliance with political party contribution limits established pursuant to 13-37-216, MCA, a "contribution" does not include a coordinated expenditure made solely by a political party committee in the form of provision of personal services by paid staff of the political party that benefit the associational interest of the political party but also constitute reportable election activity benefitting a particular candidate of the same political party.

(3) For the purposes of determining compliance with contribution reporting required by 13-37-225 through 13-37-232, MCA, any coordinated expenditure not counted toward contribution limits pursuant to (2) must be reported as a contribution and shall be reported based upon the actual cost for such paid staff including, but not limited to, total compensation in the form of any salaries, wages, bonuses, benefits, expense reimbursement, or other supplemental payments, and a pro rata share of any taxes, fees, or assessments paid by the political party committee for each staff person.

(4) Whether or not the candidate has determined the office sought or the political committee has determined what reportable election activity it will participate in at the time the contribution is received has no effect on the responsibility to report the contribution, and any such contribution shall be subject to 13-37-219, MCA.