Bill > HB431

This bill modifies the rules for the legislative nomination panel, which recommends judicial standards commission appointments. Currently, the Speaker of the House appoints three representatives to the nomination panel at the start of each legislative session, with at least one member from the minority party. The key change allows the Speaker to proactively fill anticipated vacancies on the judicial standards commission, not just existing vacancies. When a vacancy occurs or is anticipated due to a term's expiration, the Speaker will request district court judges to submit a list of willing candidates. The nomination panel will then review the judges' qualifications and forward at least three names to the Speaker, who will select a new commissioner from that pool. Panel members serve until the start of the next legislative session, and the panel can now meet between legislative sessions to address vacancies. The bill takes effect immediately upon passage and approval, providing more flexibility in maintaining the judicial standards commission's membership.

Justice

https://bills.legmt.gov/#/laws/bill/2/LC2760