Senate Ethics Committee scrutinizes Bryce Eggleston's testimony absence and credentials

The Montana Senate Ethics Committee meeting on March 15, 2025, focused heavily on the absence of Bryce Eggleston, who was expected to testify but failed to appear. The committee discussed the implications of his non-attendance and the process of presenting an "offer of proof" regarding what his testimony would have entailed.

Senator Smith emphasized the importance of using verbatim quotes from Eggleston to ensure respect for his absence and maintain factual integrity. He insisted that any findings should be based on direct statements rather than summaries, highlighting the need for precise citations from public records and other sources.

The special counsel presented a detailed offer of proof, outlining multiple attempts to secure Eggleston's testimony. Key points included that Eggleston had previously pledged to appear voluntarily but ultimately notified the committee via email on the day of the scheduled testimony that he would not attend. The counsel also noted that Eggleston has no prior experience in elected office, legislative roles, or as a lobbyist, and has only a background in business management.

The committee's discussions underscored the procedural challenges of handling testimony from absent witnesses and the importance of adhering to ethical standards in legislative processes. As the meeting concluded, the panel was tasked with determining how to proceed in light of Eggleston's absence and the evidence presented. The outcome of this meeting could have significant implications for future legislative ethics and accountability in Montana.