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MontanaSB 4869th Legislature, Regular Session (2025)Senate

Generally revise laws relating to Judicial Standards Commission complaints

Sponsored By: Carl Glimm (Republican)

Became Law

CourtsJudges and Justices

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

Citizens can make judge complaints public

Any citizen can file a written complaint about a judge. The Judicial Standards Commission must start an investigation when you file in writing. You may share your own complaint publicly at any time. If the matter is already public, the Commission may issue statements to confirm an investigation or explain the process.

Clear steps and affidavit for judge discipline

After an investigation shows more action may be needed, the person who filed the first complaint must sign a verified affidavit before formal proceedings. The judge gets written notice of the complaint and investigation, including the charges, the grounds, and the right to file an answer. If the Commission finds good cause, it must either hold a hearing, seek special masters, or allow a corrective‑action letter that leads to dismissal. If the charges are found true after a hearing or report, the Commission must publicly recommend censure, suspension, removal, or disability retirement to the Montana Supreme Court.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Carl Glimm

    Republican • Senate

Cosponsors

  • Tom Millett

    Republican • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 191 • No: 154

Senate vote • 4/11/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 57 • No: 42

Senate vote • 4/10/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 55 • No: 42

Senate vote • 1/30/2025

Do Pass

Yes: 30 • No: 19

Senate vote • 1/29/2025

Do Pass

Yes: 31 • No: 19

Senate vote • 1/29/2025

AMD-SB0048.001.002 Smith D/PASS

Yes: 18 • No: 32

Actions Timeline

  1. Chapter Number Assigned

    5/13/2025Senate

  2. Signed by Governor

    5/8/2025Senate

  3. Transmitted to Governor

    4/30/2025Senate

  4. Signed by Speaker

    4/29/2025House

  5. Signed by President

    4/21/2025Senate

  6. Returned from Enrolling

    4/14/2025Senate

  7. Sent to Enrolling

    4/11/2025Senate

  8. 3rd Reading Concurred

    4/11/2025House

  9. 2nd Reading Concurred

    4/10/2025House

  10. Committee Report--Bill Concurred

    4/8/2025House

  11. Committee Executive Action--Bill Concurred

    4/8/2025House

  12. Hearing

    4/3/2025House

  13. First Reading

    1/31/2025House

  14. Referred to Committee

    1/31/2025House

  15. Transmitted to House

    1/30/2025Senate

  16. 3rd Reading Passed

    1/30/2025Senate

  17. 2nd Reading Passed

    1/29/2025Senate

  18. 2nd Reading Motion to Amend Failed

    1/29/2025Senate

  19. 2nd Reading Pass Consideration

    1/28/2025Senate

  20. Committee Report--Bill Passed

    1/24/2025Senate

  21. Committee Executive Action--Bill Passed

    1/24/2025Senate

  22. Hearing

    1/11/2025Senate

  23. Referred to Committee

    1/7/2025Senate

  24. First Reading

    1/6/2025Senate

  25. Introduced

    12/12/2024Senate

Bill Text

  • Enrolled

    4/15/2025

    PDF

  • Introduced

    12/12/2024

    PDF

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