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Subcommittee rejects funding for half-time floating law clerk in Missoula (DP404)
Summary
A subcommittee voted 3–4 to deny a decision package to fund a half-time floating law clerk position in Missoula (DP404); supporters said the role would relieve judicial workload while opponents withheld support.
Helena — A legislative subcommittee voted down a request to add half of a floating law clerk position in Missoula, rejecting decision package DP404 by a 3–4 roll call.
Senator Morgeau moved to advance DP404, describing the position as a short-term measure to help areas that lack judicial staff support. “They need 1.8 judges in that Mineral County, Missoula County area,” a supporter said during debate, and the half‑position was framed as brief support to reduce case backlog.
After discussion the committee took a roll-call vote. Recorded votes in the transcript show Vice chair Vance, Representative Krow and Representative Hawke voting yes; one senator recorded a proxy “no” vote; Senator Morozho was recorded as yes; Representative Nicastro (spoken as Ne Castro in the transcript) and Chair Nee voted no. The chair announced the final tally as three in favor and four opposed, and declared the decision package failed.
The subcommittee and judicial branch staff had discussed the proposal as a limited, floating support role rather than a permanent judgeship. No amendments were offered on the floor before the vote.
Ending — The committee moved on to other agenda items after the vote; members indicated they would continue other budget and staffing discussions in follow-up meetings.
