MT SB48

Citizens filing complaints against judicial officers with the Judicial Standards Commission may now publicly disclose their complaints at any time, removing previous confidentiality requirements on complainants.

Amends MCA sections 3-1-1106 and 3-1-1123 to explicitly protect citizens' free speech rights regarding alleged judicial misconduct.

When complaint subject matter becomes public through the citizen complainant, the Commission may issue statements confirming the investigation, clarifying procedures, or addressing the judge's response.

Introduced by Senator C. Glimm at the request of the Senate Select Committee on Judicial Oversight and Reform during the 69th Legislature (2025).