Bill > LC0654

This bill provides for reinstating the judicial nominating commission in Montana, creating a seven-member commission responsible for recommending judicial candidates to fill vacancies on the state supreme court, district courts, and water courts. The commission will consist of four lay members appointed by the governor (representing different industries and geographical areas), two attorneys appointed by the supreme court (one from each part of the state), and one district judge elected by other district judges. Commission members will serve staggered four-year terms, with a limit of two full terms, and will not receive compensation but can be reimbursed for travel expenses. The commission must establish public rules for announcing vacancies, accepting applications, and reviewing candidates, with a 90-day maximum timeline for submitting candidate lists to the governor or chief justice. The bill requires the commission to submit 3-5 nominees for each judicial vacancy, accompanied by a detailed report explaining their recommendations. Appointments will be subject to senate confirmation in most cases, with specific provisions for interim appointments and subsequent elections. The bill also repeals existing statutes related to judicial appointments and updates related sections of Montana law to reference the new judicial nominating commission process.

https://bills.legmt.gov/#/lc/bill/2/LC0654