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HELENA, Mont. — On Tuesday, the Montana Legislature received an update from the Secretary of State’s Office on its successes, including continued fiscal responsibility, customer service and satisfaction, and election-preparedness efforts. Lawmakers praised the Office’s service and efficiency under Secretary of State Christi Jacobsen’s leadership.
“A lot of good things you’re doing there and a lot of good success stories, and you guys seem like you have some great camaraderie over there,” said Sen. Gayle Lammers.
Legislators heard multiple examples, including how the Office has continued to reduce expenditures and save millions of dollars year after year. At a time when costs are rising and many agencies’ budgets are growing, the Secretary of State’s Office reported a decrease in expenditures, and the Office is once again proposing a reduction in FTE positions by eliminating vacant, unfilled positions.
Legislators have previously praised Secretary Jacobsen for increasing efficiencies in the Secretary of State’s Office, including providing Montana business owners with 24/7 access to business registrations and documents. Secretary Jacobsen has also waived the annual report filing fee for the past three years, saving Montana businesses more than $15 million. The Office’s annual report filing fee waiver will continue in 2027, and Montana business owners have consistently shared their gratitude for the waivers.
“What an incredible breath of fresh air it is to actually do business with the state of Montana!” Montana business owner Steve wrote. “Not only have you waived the filing fee, but you make the online filing process SO EASY and efficient. I truly appreciate you and all that you do to make Montana so business friendly. THANK YOU!”
Montana business owner Jeff described his experience with the Secretary of State’s Office as “a best of class experience for me as a customer, and I wanted you to know how happy I was.”
Lawmakers also praised the annual report filing fee waiver and its savings for Montana business owners.
“Filing the annual report for my LLC was very easy and I did appreciate not having to pay the fee,” said Rep. Luke Muszkiewicz.
“I think you should add Rep. Muszkiewicz’s praise to your report about how easy it was to get registered,” added Sen. Forrest Mandeville.
In August, Secretary Jacobsen announced that she is permanently waiving the new business filing fees for U.S. veterans and active-duty military service members. “Montana’s veterans and active-duty military members have answered the call to serve our country, and this is a small way to honor that service,” she said. “We want to make it easier for these hardworking men and women to turn their ideas into successful Montana businesses.”
The Secretary of State’s Office also highlighted its partnerships at the local, state, and national level, including organizations such as Vet the Vote, the Election Assistance Commission (EAC), Small Business Administration (SBA), local and state chambers of commerce, and Montana’s county election officials.
Earlier this year, more than 200 county election staff joined the Secretary of State’s Office for the 2026 Montana Election Summit, preparing for the 2026 midterms. Election officials applauded the training and its effectiveness.
“I cannot thank you enough for the greatest learning experience I’ve ever had,” said one election official. “I feel prepared to serve my voters far more than I did before arriving in Helena. Secretary Jacobsen’s team is first class!”
The Secretary of State’s Office concluded Tuesday’s presentation to legislators by reaffirming its commitment to serving Montanans: “We are proud to lead the state by demonstrating that a highly engaged team, combined with a strong fiscal responsibility, delivers exceptional outcomes.”