MontanaHB 19469th Legislature, Regular Session (2025)House

Generally revise laws related to juries

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 1 costs, 2 mixed.

One-year jury duty term, with exceptions

If you are noticed for jury service, you are on call for one year and until new jurors are returned, unless excused. Jurors drawn before a new list is returned may continue up to 90 days if court work requires. A jury seated for a trial serves until the court discharges it, even past one year. These rules apply to jury pools noticed on or after May 1, 2026.

New jury-duty notice and summons rules

If you are drawn as a juror, the clerk mails you a notice. The clerk may include a questionnaire and an excuse affidavit. You do not have to respond to this first notice, and the sheriff is not required to personally serve it. If you are later selected and summoned, you must respond. If you do not respond, the clerk must try phone or other electronic contact, then certify you to the sheriff. The sheriff must make reasonable efforts, doing any two of these: publish a nonrespondent list in a newspaper, web news site, or government social media; try phone or other electronic contact; post notice at your last known address; attempt personal service; or send first-class mail. Missing a step does not, by itself, cancel a jury pool or a jury. These rules apply to jury pools noticed on or after May 1, 2026.

Tighter deadlines to challenge jury panels

To challenge how a jury panel was picked, a party must file a written motion to discharge with an affidavit. File at least 5 days before trial, unless you show good cause. Good cause means you made a diligent, timely effort to look into how the panel was selected, drawn, notified, or summoned. The court holds a hearing if the motion states facts, and the moving party must prove a material departure from the law. If the court finds improper conduct, it discharges the panel and orders a new one. These rules apply to jury pools noticed on or after May 1, 2026.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Amy Regier
Republican • House

Cosponsors

Barry Usher
Republican • Senate
Shelley Vance
Republican • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 272 • No: 122

Senate vote • 4/14/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 43 • No: 4

Senate vote • 4/12/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 50 • No: 0

House vote • 2/3/2025

Do Pass

Yes: 71 • No: 28

House vote • 1/31/2025

Do Pass

Yes: 67 • No: 32

House vote • 1/31/2025

AMD-HB0194.001.003 France DO PASS

Yes: 41 • No: 58

Actions Timeline

Chapter Number Assigned
5/8/2025House
Signed by Governor
5/5/2025House
Transmitted to Governor
4/25/2025House
Signed by President
4/25/2025Senate
Signed by Speaker
4/23/2025House
Returned from Enrolling
4/16/2025House
Sent to Enrolling
4/14/2025House
3rd Reading
4/14/2025Senate
2nd Reading
4/12/2025Senate
2nd Reading Pass Consideration
4/11/2025Senate
Committee Report
4/8/2025Senate
Committee Executive Action
4/8/2025Senate
Hearing
4/7/2025Senate
Hearing Canceled
2/18/2025Senate
Hearing
2/14/2025Senate
Referred to Committee
2/13/2025Senate
1st Reading
2/4/2025Senate
Transmitted to Senate
2/3/2025House
3rd Reading
2/3/2025House
2nd Reading
1/31/2025House
2nd Reading Motion to Amend
1/31/2025House
Committee Report
1/29/2025House
Committee Executive Action
1/29/2025House
Committee Executive Action
1/29/2025House
Hearing
1/22/2025House

Bill Text

Enrolled
4/15/2025
PDF
Introduced
1/14/2025
PDF

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