The Governor s Office on Tuesday made its pitch to a Senate committee on why it should take over direct appointment of judges after a vacancy on the bench and do away with the nominating process that s been in place for 50 years.
Lt. Gov. Kristen Juras argued on behalf of Republican Gov. Greg Gianforte before the Senate Judiciary Committee. Juras said giving the governor direct appointment power over state district and Supreme Court judges would merely pull back the curtain on partisanship in the appointment process, which she claimed was already well underway in the Judicial Nominating Commission.
The proposal is carried by Sen. Keith Regier, R-Kalispell, in Senate Bill 140.
MT Legislature considers right to work,â anti-union bills
Bills make it harder for unions to collect fees
Montana Television Network
Newly elected state lawmakers met Wednesday at the Capitol to choose leaders for the 2021 Montana Legislature.
By: Mike Dennison
and last updated 2021-02-09 11:58:12-05
HELENA â Bills making it harder for labor unions to collect dues or fees â including âright to workâ measures â have been defeated in Montana for many years, by organized labor and its allies.
MT Legislature considers right to work,â anti-union bills
But this year, with Republicans firmly in control of the Legislature and the governorâs office for the first time in almost two decades, right-to-work supporters and foes of unions are hoping for a different outcome.
Concealed carry expansion bill passes Senate
Proponents say the measure allowing guns in bars and on college campuses promotes public safety by easing restrictions on responsible gun owners. Opponents worry that more guns means more dangerous public spaces.
by Eric Dietrich
Montana Free Press HELENA A bill expanding the locations where Montanans can legally carry concealed firearms cleared the state Senate Wednesday, and is expected to head to the desk of Gov. Greg Gianforte. Proponents say House Bill 102 is a way to cut back on restrictions that keep responsible gun owners from carrying firearms to protect themselves and others. In its current form, the bill would let Montanans carry concealed firearms in public settings such as banks and bars regardless of whether they have a concealed carry permit. People with permits would also be.
Through incoming legislation, Gov. Greg Gianforte is looking to expand his office s fingerprints across more state government branches and agencies.
One recently introduced bill would give Gianforte, a Republican elected in November, immediate power to directly appoint state district court judges and state Supreme Court judges. Under another piece of legislation, Gianforte would also be able to appoint deputy directors of state agencies upon vacancies. In the last week or so, board appointments made by outgoing-Gov. Steve Bullock, a Democrat, have also been cleared from the confirmation process to make way for Gianforteâs nominees.
Gianforte is the state s first GOP governor in 16 years.Â
As of midday Jan. 29, 490 bills have been introduced , and there’s one bill on Gov. Greg Gianforte’s desk. This week, we’re watching bills to make tribes