Bill > HB215

This bill modifies existing Montana law regarding state board and commission appointments by eliminating previous requirements for gender and racial balancing. Specifically, the bill removes language that previously mandated "positive action to attain gender balance and proportional representation of minorities" when making appointments to state boards, commissions, committees, and councils. While the secretary of state will still be required to publish monthly updates about executive branch appointments and upcoming vacancies in the Montana Administrative Register, the requirement for the governor to report on progress toward diversity goals has been eliminated. The bill essentially removes legal mandates for demographic representation in state government appointments, giving appointing authorities more discretion in their selection processes without needing to consider gender or racial composition as a priority. This change represents a shift away from previous policies that sought to ensure diverse representation in state government leadership positions.

Justice

https://bills.legmt.gov/#/laws/bill/2/LC1642