Defining separation of powers

SB 476 aims to clarify and codify Montana's separation of powers doctrine by defining the specific authorities of each government branch. It prohibits the legislative branch from enacting laws conflicting with the constitution or exercising executive/judicial powers, and similarly restricts the executive and judicial branches from overstepping their designated roles (e.g., courts cannot amend law effective dates or override statutes). The bill explicitly states that Montana's Board of Regents and Board of Public Education are executive branch agencies bound to follow state laws, not override them, and defines key terms like "general supervision" for these boards. This procedural bill, which died in committee in 2025, sought to prevent branch overreach but did not create new policies or affect specific individuals.