Bill > SB14

This bill requires a one-time comprehensive performance audit of the Office of Disciplinary Counsel, which is responsible for investigating and addressing potential misconduct by legal professionals. The audit, to be conducted by the legislative auditor, will examine the office's funding sources, budget, costs, and functions over the past 10 years, with a focus on understanding how much money is received from each source and how it is spent. The legislative auditor will scope and plan the audit based on the office's financial, operational, and technological risks, considering its responsibilities, goals, and objectives. The audit must be conducted according to established industry auditing standards and will be fully funded by the judicial branch. The audit must be completed and presented to the legislative audit committee by December 15, 2026, after which it will be shared with specific legislative committee members and posted on the legislative audit division's website. Additionally, the bill amends the existing definition of "state agency" in Montana law to explicitly include entities created by or subject to supervision by the Montana Supreme Court, which helps clarify the scope of potential audit subjects.

Justice

https://bills.legmt.gov/#/laws/bill/20251/LC0620