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Montana bill to create government claims court draws sharp debate over cost and constitutionality
Summary
Sponsor Sen. Tom McGill Ray urged creation of a three‑judge Montana Government Claims Court to speed constitutional and administrative appeals; supporters called it a needed specialty venue while opponents warned of high costs, constitutional questions and an absent or limited fiscal note.
Senator Tom McGill Ray introduced Senate Bill 385 on behalf of Senate District 26, saying the measure would create a three‑judge Montana Government Claims Court with concurrent jurisdiction over challenges to state actions, administrative appeals and asbestos claims. "Our district courts are overwhelmed," McGill Ray told the Senate Judiciary Committee, urging a specialized tribunal to handle complex civil work and free district judges to focus on criminal, family and dependency cases.
Proponents said the court would cut delays for constitutionality and administrative matters and concentrate expertise in one forum. Derek…
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