MT SB45

Creates an 11-member Judicial Performance Evaluation Commission to evaluate Montana district court judges and supreme court justices, with members appointed by legislative leaders, the governor, and the chief justice serving staggered 4-year terms

Requires midterm evaluations (year 3) and preelection evaluations (year 5 for district judges, year 7 for supreme court justices) based on surveys of attorneys, jurors, and court staff, plus courtroom observations and disciplinary records

Surveys assess judges on legal ability, judicial conduct (including impartiality, bias avoidance, and demeanor), administrative performance, and fidelity to the Montana constitution

Mandates that preelection evaluation summaries be included in voter information pamphlets distributed to registered voters at least 30 days before elections

Appropriates $500,000 per year for fiscal years 2026 and 2027 from the general fund, with the commission allocated to the Department of Justice for administrative purposes and a termination date of June 30, 2035