Generally revise laws relating to Judicial Standards Commission complaints
SB 48 revises the complaint process for the Judicial Standards Commission. This bill allows citizens who file a complaint against a judge to make their complaints public at any time, removing the previous requirement for the complainant to maintain confidentiality. The change ensures citizens can exercise their right to free speech regarding alleged judicial misconduct while the commission conducts its investigation. This is achieved by amending sections 3-1-1106 and 3-1-1123 of state law.
Bill status
signed
all 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Dec 2024
Committee Review
Apr 2025
Senate Passage
Apr 2025
House Passage
Apr 2025
Signed into Law
May 2025
Introduced Dec 12, 2024
Signed May 13, 2025
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What changed between versions
SB0048_1(25).pdf
→
SB0048_X.pdf
·
3 edits
MINOR
This bill amends Montana law to allow citizens to publicly disclose their complaints against judges at any time, removing the previous requirement for such complaints to remain confidential. It also clarifies the Judicial Standards Commission's authority to issue public statements regarding the status of investigations. This change aims to balance the need for judicial accountability with a citizen's right to free speech, ensuring they do not have to choose between filing a complaint and speaking publicly about alleged misconduct.
Scope change
The bill expands the scope of public disclosure allowed for judicial complaints, shifting from a default of confidentiality to allowing public release at any time.
REQUIREMENT
Amended Section 3-1-1106 to explicitly grant citizens the right to make their complaints concerning a judicial officer public at any time, overriding previous confidentiality constraints.
Amended Section 3-1-1123 to clarify that the Judicial Standards Commission may issue public statements to confirm investigation pendency, clarify procedures, or report on findings when the subject matter becomes public.
SCOPE
Added legislative findings stating that citizens should not be forced to choose between filing a complaint and exercising their free speech rights regarding judicial misconduct.
Floor votes · Senate Jan 30, 2025 · House Apr 11, 2025
How they voted
30–19
Passed · 1 other
Total votes 50
Jan 30, 2025
D
Democratic18
100% Nay
R
Republican32
93% Yea
Vote distribution
All Yea
All Nay
Mixed
No data
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
39
Key actions
9
Committee
6
May 9, 2025
Signed into law
(S) Signed by Governor
upper
Apr 29, 2025
Lower · Passed
(H) Signed by Speaker
lower
Apr 21, 2025
Upper · Passed
(S) Signed by President
upper
Apr 11, 2025
House · Passed
House Vote: pass (57-42-1)
house
Apr 8, 2025
Lower · Passed
(H) Committee Report - (H) Judiciary
lower
Apr 8, 2025
Lower · Passed
(H) Committee Executive Action - (H) Judiciary
lower
Jan 31, 2025
Committee
(H) Referred to Committee - (H) Judiciary
lower
Jan 30, 2025
Senate · Passed
Senate Vote: pass (30-19-1)
senate
Jan 24, 2025
Upper · Passed
(S) Committee Report - (S) Judiciary
upper
Jan 24, 2025
Upper · Passed
(S) Committee Executive Action - (H) Judiciary
upper
Jan 7, 2025
Committee
(S) Referred to Committee - (S) Judiciary
upper
Dec 12, 2024
Introduced
(S) Introduced
upper
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors
Sponsors
Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Carl Glimm
RRepublican
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