Committee Hears Arguments Over Audit of State Bar; Bar Opposes Redefinition as State Agency

Senate Judiciary Committee members opened a hearing on House Bill 65, which would authorize a one-time financial audit of the State Bar of Montana and, in section 2, declare the State Bar a "state agency" for purposes of the legislative audit.

Supporters said oversight is appropriate because the State Bar collects a $25 license tax on behalf of the clerk of the Supreme Court, but opponents argued the measure is unnecessary and constitutionally problematic.

Representative (sponsor) opened the hearing by saying HB 65 "authorizes a one-time financial audit of the state bar" and framed audit bills as routine tools for legislative oversight. Proponents in the room did not appear; one remote supporter, Lisa Bennett of Carbon County, told the committee she supports the bill because she sees a conflict in the bar's roles as a lobbying organization and as an organization that helps set standards for admission to the profession.

Opponents included Bruce Spencer, who…