Religious organizations would be exempt from reporting political activities as required by Montanaâs campaign finance laws under legislation inspired by a local churchâs fight against Montanaâs top elections watchdog in 2004. Under Senate Bill 162, tax-exempt religious groupsâ political communications would be excluded from Montana's definitions of campaign contributions, election communications, electioneering communications or political expenditures. It's carried by Sen. David Howard, R-Park City. Chad Hesler, a senior pastor at Canyon Ferry Road Baptist Church in East Helena, told the Senate State Administration Committee on Monday that the legislation âfollows in the footsteps of Thomas Jefferson to limit the intrusion of government into the well-being of mankind, which is the essential role of religion.â