Sen. Jason Ellsworth

Maddy summarySB 20 prohibits retired judges and justices from hearing or assisting in any court case where a party challenges the constitutionality of a Montana state statute. This bill amends two Montana Code sections (3-5-202 and 19-5-103) to explicitly ban retired judges from such cases, directly affecting retired judicial officers who might otherwise be called to assist courts. The key provision removes retired judges from participating in constitutional challenges while maintaining their ability to serve in other non-constitutional matters. The bill would have taken immediate effect upon enactment but died in committee in May 2025.