Bill > LC0849

This bill establishes a new procedure for randomly selecting substitute district judges when the original judge has been substituted or disqualified for cause in Montana. Specifically, the bill requires the office of the court administrator to develop and implement a random selection process by October 1, 2025, and to provide this procedure to all district court judges by October 15, 2025. The bill defines "random selection" as a selection from a larger group by chance, and mandates that judges follow this new procedure when calling in subsequent district judges. The legislation is intended to be codified as part of Title 3, Chapter 1, Part 8 of Montana state law, which governs judicial procedures. By creating a standardized, chance-based method for selecting substitute judges, the bill aims to ensure a fair and impartial process for replacing judges who cannot hear a particular case.

https://bills.legmt.gov/#/lc/bill/2/LC0849