ARM 44.11.203. PRIMARY PURPOSE

(1) The term "primary purpose" refers to the major, principal, or important goal, function, or reason for existence of a political committee. (2) The commissioner may determine that the primary purpose of a political committee is to support or oppose candidates or ballot issues based upon any one or more of the following criteria: (a) allocation and source of budget; (b) allocation of staff or members' activity; (c) articles of organization, articles of incorporation, or other official documentation filed with the State of Montana or the committee’s home state; (d) reportable election activity; (e) receipt of contributions in response to an appeal or that are designated for a specified candidate, ballot issue, or petition; (f) coordination with any candidates or political committees; (g) ordinary business actually conducted; or (h) the committee’s bylaws. (3) The COPP's determination of the primary purpose of a political committee shall be based upon a preponderance of the evidence.