Montana’s Department of Administration has reversed a policy that had limited permits for weekend rallies at the state Capitol, restoring a route for organizers to seek permission for Saturday events. The change came after members of the public challenged the rule and after the department’s director, Misty Ann Giles, said she would revisit it.
The reversal updated guidance that previously prohibited permits for weekend rallies at the Capitol, and the department revised the guidelines after pushback, according to the General Services Division website. The earlier restriction had also been described as involving rules around setting up equipment and using state resources during weekend gatherings.
Giles’ comments to lawmakers appeared to shape the timing of the change. The reporting said Giles told a legislative budget committee last week that she would revisit the permit rule after she initially minimized the shift—describing the weekend prohibition as “no big deal,” according to the legislative discussion described in the story.
Before the reversal, organizers of the “No Kings” rally raised the weekend ban earlier in March, arguing it infringed on their rights to free speech and assembly because the nationwide protests were held on Saturdays. Area organizers said the restriction would have created an obstacle for weekend demonstrations at the Capitol.
Barbara Barnes, an Indivisible Helena organizer, said after the policy was suspended that the group intended to stage the “No Kings” rally at the Capitol flag plaza. Barnes said the event would still require submitting paperwork to the agency, and she added that she expected no issues with the application.
Barnes also said Indivisible Helena planned to meet with Department of Administration officials on Wednesday at the Capitol. The “No Kings” rally in Helena was scheduled for Saturday, March 28, from noon to 1 p.m.
In a separate response to the earlier controversy, reporting said nearly all of Montana’s Democratic caucus had signed a letter to Gov. Greg Gianforte urging reconsideration of the permit policy. The letter said the change would prevent Montanans from expressing their opinions.
After the department indicated it would revisit the rule and later reversed the weekend prohibition guidance, Rep. Luke Muszkiewicz of Helena said he welcomed the administration’s willingness to reconsider the policy. Muszkiewicz said he appreciated Giles’ candor before the committee and her willingness to revisit the department’s approach, and he said he remained thankful to Capitol workers who make public access possible.
Muszkiewicz said he trusted the Department of Administration would work collaboratively with lawmakers before considering any future changes. The department did not respond to a request for comment reported by Montana Free Press.