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Committee advances bill to open legislative drafts and clarify public access
Summary
Senate Bill 408, which would open legislative drafts and filings and proactively align statute with likely court rulings on transparency, cleared committee by voice vote after sponsors and media representatives discussed scope and potential costs for accessing older 'junk files.'
The Legislative Administration Committee voted to advance Senate Bill 408, a proposal to broaden transparency for legislative drafts and filings and to preempt an expected court ruling by codifying openness in statute.
Senator Daniel Zolikoff introduced the bill as a proactive step, saying the courts may require drafts to be open and the Legislature should "do it our way" and make the process functional. "This bill, in its current form allows to the opening up of our legislative drafts and filings," he said, arguing the measure would bring statute into alignment with judicial expectations while allowing the Legislature to manage implementation details.
A Montana Broadcasters Association representative testified in support, saying broadcasters and print media were part of the litigation that prompted the bill and voiced support for passage; she cautioned that some older 'junk files' historically available by walk‑in may have associated costs that are not yet quantified.
Committee members pressed the sponsor on whether the bill would impose costs for providing access to archived or informal materials. The sponsor proposed holding the bill as a revenue bill to identify implementation costs and to coordinate with Legislative Services on any technical or administrative changes. After discussion the committee moved the bill forward; the chair said it will go to the floor.
