Bill Would Give Gov. More Power Over Judicial Appointments

Montana lawmakers are considering billing to give the governor more power over the appointment of judges.

Senate Law 140 would allow the governor to directly appoint free judges in the District Court and Supreme Court until the next election by abolishing the Judiciary Nominations Committee.

Republican Governor Greg Gianforte, who took office last month, moved the bill. Lt. Gov. Kristen Juras assisted during the bill’s hearing, saying that the nomination commission was set up in the state constitution before the internet existed as a clearing house for judicial nominations.

“With today’s technology, there is no need to limit the governor’s ability to deal directly with anyone who applies for a vacant judicial position.”

Attorney Bruce Spencer spoke out against the bill on behalf of the Montana State Bar.

“When the 1972 constitution drafters met, they deliberately removed the 1889 Montana Constitution’s permission for unrestricted direct appointment by a governor.”

Spencer said the framers were meant for the public to play a role in the process.

The legislature has yet to vote on the bill. You will hear a second bill in the House of Representatives Judiciary Committee on Wednesday morning aimed at changing the procedure for appointing judges.

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