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House approves measure loosening limits on judges’ political activity; opponents warn of politicizing courts
Summary
House Bill 169, which would allow judges and judicial candidates to attend partisan events and accept political endorsements and prepares statutory groundwork for future partisan judicial candidacy, passed the House on second reading 56-44 after extended debate over judicial impartiality.
Representative Andrea Millett, sponsor of House Bill 169, said the bill would allow judges and judicial candidates to engage in several political activities that current judicial conduct rules restrict — for example attending partisan dinners and accepting endorsements — and would lay groundwork for future changes if judges are later permitted to run as partisan candidates.
Supporters argued the bill reflects Montana’s small-community political culture and would give voters more…
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