Bill > HB35

This bill modifies the existing law regarding the Judicial Standards Commission by allocating it administratively to the Department of Justice while explicitly preserving its independence. Specifically, the bill adds language that places the commission within the Department of Justice for administrative purposes only, but stipulates that the commission can hire its own personnel and will operate independently without approval or control from the department. The commission will continue to maintain its original composition of five members (two district court judges, one attorney, and two citizen members), with members serving staggered 4-year terms. The bill establishes that this administrative allocation does not impact the commission's ability to function autonomously, and it will take effect on July 1, 2025. This change appears designed to provide administrative support while maintaining the commission's operational independence, which is critical for its role in overseeing judicial conduct and ethics.

Justice

https://bills.legmt.gov/#/laws/bill/20251/LC0522