MT HB617

Requires the Attorney General to provide at least 10 business days' notice before engaging in litigation where the state may have an interest, including a statement of intent filed with the governor's office, judiciary committees, and published on the Department of Justice website

Mandates a public hearing with at least 5 business days' notice and opportunity for public comment before the Attorney General proceeds with such litigation

Requires the Attorney General to respond to public comments within 5 business days of the hearing and post the decision and response on the Department of Justice website

Creates an emergency exception allowing the Attorney General to act first and file the statement of intent within 5 days, but must still complete the public hearing process to continue the litigation

Requires itemized cost projections before litigation and detailed cost reporting (including outside counsel fees and in-house attorney hours) within 30 days of case conclusion in a publicly accessible register