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Contested bill would let Montana political parties contribute to judicial campaigns; tribes and State Bar oppose
Summary
Representative Tom Millett presented House Bill 39 to repeal the statutory ban on political‑party contributions to judicial candidates, saying party support would make judicial elections more transparent and competitive.
Representative Tom Millett introduced House Bill 39, which would repeal a statutory prohibition on political parties contributing to judicial candidates. "This bill repeals MCA 13‑35‑231," Millett said in opening remarks, explaining the sponsor's view that allowing party contributions would increase transparency and help candidates run competitive campaigns.
Senator Barry Usher, a vice chair of the Senate special select committee on judicial oversight and accountability, testified in support and said parties already influence judicial races through third‑party political action committees. "This is more about being transparent instead of hiding money in some third party," Usher said, and asked the committee to advance the…
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