The Judicial Standards Commission (JSC) has missed its legally-required deadline for submitting a report to the Montana State Legislature. According to state law, the JSC must deliver a detailed report on its investigation of judicial misconduct every two years by September 1. However, as of September 3, 2024, the JSC has yet to provide the … Continue reading Judicial Standards Commission Fails to Meet Legal Deadline
The Montana Supreme Court ruled that minors do not need parental permission to obtain an abortion in the state. The decision aligns with a previous lower court ruling that found the state’s parental consent law unconstitutional under the privacy clause of the Montana Constitution. Abortion will now be the only medical procedure minors may obtain … Continue reading Montana Supreme Court Rules Minors Can Obtain Abortions Without Parental Consent
In a significant development for the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL), Montana Senator Barry Usher has been elected as the organization’s new vice president. This bipartisan body represents the 7,386 state lawmakers and over 30,000 legislative staff across the United States.* Usher, who will serve a one-year term as vice president, is poised to … Continue reading Montana Senator Barry Usher Elected Vice President of National Conference of State Legislatures
Montana’s latest legislative effort to enhance government transparency went into effect on July 1 with the implementation of House Bill 890, aimed at providing the public with clearer insights into local government proceedings. Sponsored by Rep. Brad Barker, R-Luther, HB 890 mandates that many local government boards across the state record their meetings and publish … Continue reading Montana’s New Transparency Law Ensures Public Access to Local Government Meetings
By: Sen. Keith Regier It seems like every day I open the newspaper and read a new decision issued by a Montana court. I’m not a lawyer, but it’s becoming apparent to me that our courts are increasingly out of control. There have been many questionable decisions issued by our courts in recent years. One … Continue reading Montana Courts Are Out Of Control
As a practicing lawyer, I am often reluctant to criticize decisions made by a court. However, last week, the Montana Supreme Court rendered a decision involving legislative rules which is absolutely stunning. One of the basic principles of our system of government is the separation of powers. Under our constitution, there are three separate and … Continue reading Montana Supreme Court is wrong on legislative rules