Legislative committee recommends three judges for Judicial Standards Commission after hourlong interviews that flagged transparency and investigator concerns

The Special Select Judicial Standards Nomination Committee recommended three district court judges to the speaker for appointment to the Judicial Standards Commission after a day of interviews that highlighted concerns about how the commission investigates complaints and explains its decisions.

The committee of three — Representative Keri Seakins Crowe (chair) of Yellowstone County, Representative Amy Regier of House District 6 and Representative Katie Sullivan (excused) — voted to forward Judges Ashley Harada, Dan Wilson and John Brown to House leadership for confirmation. Representative Amy Regier moved the recommendation; Regier and Chair Keri Seakins Crowe voted aye. The recommendation now goes to the speaker for final action.

Why it matters: candidates repeatedly told the lawmakers the commission needs clearer investigative standards, better-written explanations when complaints are dismissed and more options focused on rehabilitation rather than only public discipline. Several judges warned that the recent change to publish names tied to complaints in the commission’s biennial report has produced misunderstanding and could be used in political attacks.

During the interviews, candidates described a mix of procedural problems and practical fixes. Judge Ashley Harada, a Yellowstone County district court judge who said she previously experienced the commission’s process as a subject of discipline, recommended improving investigator selection and increasing consistency. “One of the critical components for the judicial standards committee is utilizing investigators who are qualified, who are appropriate, who demonstrate professionalism,” Harada told the committee. She added: “the secrecy that has gone on is unacceptable.”

Judge John Brown of the 18th Judicial District (Bozeman) urged more detailed written explanations of dispositions so litigants understand…