Senate Local Government Committee adopts proxy voting policy

The Montana Senate Local Government Committee voted to allow proxy voting for committee members during session, a measure proponents said will help members who are traveling or representing large districts.

Senator Jason Ellsworth made the motion to allow proxies; the committee held a voice vote and the motion passed despite one recorded nay. Chair Forrest Mandeville instructed members to return completed proxy forms to their vice chair and said the vice chair customarily holds proxies while noting members should arrange alternate custody if the vice chair will be absent.

The vote was taken by voice; an unidentified senator called “aye” and Senator Jeremy Trebis registered a “nay” on the record. After the vote, the chair confirmed that proxies will be accepted and noted two named proxies in attendance for the matter, Wagner and Boldman, and that proxies already filled out should be returned to vice chairs.

Committee discussion included clarification that members should complete and return proxy sheets, and that if a member wishes someone other than the vice chair to hold a proxy they should make alternative arrangements and notify committee staff. The chair also said members should ensure a proxy-holder will be present when executive action is expected.

The chair framed proxy custody as a customary practice: "Typically, the vice chair holds proxies," he said, and urged members to ensure alternate arrangements if the vice chair will be absent. Senator Ellsworth, who moved the motion, did not name a seconder on the record.

The committee moved on after confirming the policy and next steps for proxy handling.