Bill > HB617

This bill enhances public participation in litigation decisions made by the Montana Attorney General by establishing a new procedural framework. The bill requires the Attorney General to provide at least 10 business days' notice before engaging in litigation where the state may have an interest, including a detailed statement describing the nature of the litigation, the state's interest, the Attorney General's position, and projected costs. The Attorney General must then schedule a public hearing with at least 5 business days' notice, allowing citizens to provide comments and input on the proposed litigation. After the hearing, the Attorney General must carefully consider and respond to public comments, posting both the decision and response on the Department of Justice website. The bill includes an emergency exception allowing shorter notice periods in urgent situations, but still requires subsequent compliance with the public input process. Additionally, the Attorney General must maintain a permanent, publicly accessible register of litigation cases, updating it within 30 days of each case's conclusion with detailed cost information. These requirements aim to increase government transparency, promote citizen participation, and provide oversight of the Attorney General's litigation activities, in alignment with Montana's constitutional provisions for public involvement in governmental decision-making.

Justice

https://bills.legmt.gov/#/laws/bill/2/LC1401