Bill > HB322

This bill reduces the number of associate justices on the Montana Supreme Court from six to four by eliminating two specific seat positions (seat numbers 1 and 2) and preventing elections for those positions in the November 2030 general election. The term of the eliminated seats would have originally run from January 2023 to January 2031. The changes to the Supreme Court composition will become effective on the first Monday of January 2031, ensuring a smooth transition. The bill includes a saving clause that preserves any legal rights, penalties, or proceedings that were initiated before the act's effective date. The justices will continue to be elected by qualified state electors and serve 8-year terms, with the reduction in justices being accomplished through a carefully planned phase-out of two existing positions without disrupting ongoing judicial proceedings.

Justice

https://bills.legmt.gov/#/laws/bill/2/LC0025