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Senate hearing examines fiscal note and logistics for proposed government claims court
Summary
Senators on the Finance and Claims Committee heard testimony on Senate Bill 385, a proposal to create a Helena-based government claims court with three judges, amid debate over the bill’s fiscal note, a proposed 20% judge pay premium, and other startup costs.
Senators on the Senate Finance and Claims Committee heard testimony and questions on Senate Bill 385, which would create a three-judge government claims court based in Helena and provide a new path for certain constitutional and government-claims litigation.
Sponsor Senator Tom McGillivray (Senate District 26) told the committee, “Senate bill 3 85 sets up a government claims court.” He said the court would have three judges who would sit individually on cases and sit en banc as a three-judge panel if an appeal from one of those judges occurs before possible further appeal to the Montana Supreme Court. McGillivray said judges would be based in Helena and that some trials moved into the court would still be heard in the county where the case originated.
Supporters said the court could reduce pressure…
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