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Committee hears bill to move Judicial Standards Commission administration to Department of Justice
Summary
The Senate Judiciary Committee heard testimony on House Bill 35, which would administratively attach the Judicial Standards Commission to the Montana Department of Justice; proponents said the change would reduce perceived conflicts, opponents said it risks politicizing an independent judiciary. No committee vote was recorded.
The Senate Judiciary Committee on a morning hearing considered House Bill 35, a proposal to administratively move the Judicial Standards Commission from the judicial branch to the Montana Department of Justice. Representative Fiona Nave, sponsor of the bill, told the committee the change is intended to “minimize potential interference by the court into the functioning of this important oversight commission.”
Proponents told the committee the move would increase transparency and public trust. Bart Crabtree of the Montana Citizens Council on Judicial Accountability urged a “due pass,” saying the change would “begin the process of removing the self discipline within our judiciary.” Kyla Hailstone,…
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