Legislative standoff boils over in Montana Senate

HELENA — A legislative standoff over a missing Democratic senator has boiled over with Republicans reconvening the floor session while Democrats pounded their desks in protest.

Republicans allege Sen. Shannon Augare's absence is a ruse to kill GOP ballot measures. Friday is the deadline for ballot referenda and tax bills.

Any bills that don't advance by noon Saturday will die.

Senate Minority Leader Jon Sesso told his caucus he would invoke a parliamentary procedure that demands every member is present before business can resume.

Republicans say they believe Democrats are fabricating the crisis to kill ballot referendums Democrats dislike.

Republican leaders began holding votes on bills while Democrats shouted and pounded their desks.