LC 654 Legislature · 2025 Regular Session

Provide for reinstating the judicial nominating commission

This bill reinstates a Judicial Nominating Commission to select candidates for judicial appointments in Montana, directly affecting how vacancies on the Supreme Court, district courts, and water judge positions are filled. The commission, composed of seven members (four non-judge, non-attorney lay people, two attorneys, and one elected district judge), must follow specific procedures including public notice of vacancies, a 30-day application period, and submitting candidate lists within 90 days. It replaces prior rules by repealing existing sections of law and requires the governor to receive candidate lists for most judicial roles while the chief justice receives lists for water judge positions. This creates a formalized, transparent process for judicial nominations, shifting selection authority from previous methods to the commission.
Bill status died 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Oct 2024
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Oct 30, 2024 Last action May 20, 2025
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