Bill > HB506

This bill proposes a constitutional amendment to change how Montana Supreme Court justices are selected, shifting from a system of direct election by voters to an appointment process. Under the new method, a nomination committee composed of the senate president, house speaker, minority leaders from each legislative chamber, and two attorneys (one selected by majority party members and one by minority party members) would provide a list of 3-5 qualified nominees to the governor when a Supreme Court justice vacancy occurs. The governor would then appoint a justice from this list within 60 days, with the appointment subject to senate confirmation. If the nomination committee fails to provide at least three nominees, the governor can select from a list of 10 nominees chosen by lottery from a broader pool of qualified candidates. The bill specifies different procedures for vacancies caused by the end of a justice's term versus mid-term vacancies. Additionally, the amendment maintains the current election process for district court judges. The proposed changes would take effect on January 4, 2027, and would be submitted to Montana voters for approval in the November 2026 general election. Because this is a constitutional amendment, it requires a two-thirds vote in the legislature to pass.

Justice

https://bills.legmt.gov/#/laws/bill/2/LC3573