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Bill would allow Montanans to impanel county grand juries by petition; critics warn of politicization
Summary
Representative Tom Millett introduced House Bill 4 60 to let citizens convene a county grand jury by petition rather than requiring a district judge’s order; supporters said the change restores a people’s check on government and would increase transparency and accountability, while sheriffs and county attorneys warned the proposal risks
Representative Tom Millett told the committee HB 4 60 would correct what he described as a constitutional defect that prevents citizens from empaneling a state grand jury by petition. Millett said the Montana constitution currently states a grand jury may be summoned “only at the discretion and order of the district judge,” and that the bill would add a petition pathway requiring a specified number of registered electors in a county to trigger impaneling.
Proponents argued the change would strengthen…
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