The Montana House initially passed Senate Bill 140, a measure that would give the governor direct authority to appoint judges and eliminate the Judicial Nominating Commission.
The bill, introduced by Sen. Keith Regier, passed the House 67-33 on Saturday in a vote divided along party lines. Republican Gov. Greg Gianforte supports the legislation, and Lt. Gov. Kristen Juras spoke in favor of it.
Changes to Judicial Appointments
Under the bill, the governor would immediately fill judicial vacancies. Judges appointed under the new system would have to run to retain their seats in the next general election.
The current appointment system has been in place for nearly 50 years. The Judicial Nominating Commission was established in 1973.
Rep. Amy Regier, R-Kalispell, said the governor should have the same direct authority over vacant judgeships that the office has in other appointments.
Rep. Laurie Bishop, D-Livingston, opposed the change, saying it could disrupt the affected judicial districts and ongoing court work.
Pending Nominations
Three judicial nominations from former Democratic Gov. Steve Bullock are awaiting Senate approval. The nominees are Chris Abbott, Peter Ohman and Michele Reinhart Levine.
The nominations involve the First Judicial District, which covers Lewis and Clark and Broadwater counties; the 18th Judicial District, which covers Gallatin County; and the Eighth Judicial District, which covers Cascade County.
Next Steps
The bill faces a final House vote, likely Monday. If approved, it would go to Gianforte’s desk and would take effect immediately upon passage.
