The bill amends existing Montana law to grant county commissioners the authority to initiate civil proceedings for a writ of mandamus, which compels or enjoins local government entities within the county or their governing body members to perform specific acts. This new provision allows commissioners to hire outside counsel for such proceedings and recover attorney fees and costs as determined by a court. Additionally, the definition of "local government entity" is clarified to exclude counties, consolidated city-counties, incorporated cities or towns, and school districts.

Furthermore, the bill modifies the enforcement of writs by introducing a provision that allows elected or appointed officials found in contempt for not complying with a writ of mandamus to be subject to recall under specific provisions of Montana law. This aims to enhance accountability among local officials regarding their compliance with judicial mandates.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 7-4-2110, 27-26-206
HB0068_1(1): 7-4-2110, 27-26-206
HB0068_1(2): 7-4-2110, 27-26-206
HB0068_1(3): 7-4-2110, 27-26-206
HB0068_1(4): 7-4-2110, 27-26-206
HB0068_1(5): 7-4-2110, 27-26-206
HB0068_1(6): 7-4-2110, 27-26-206
HB0068_1: 7-4-2110, 27-26-206
HB0068_2: 7-4-2110, 27-26-206
HB0068_X(1): 7-4-2110, 27-26-206
HB0068_X(10): 7-4-2110, 27-26-206
HB0068_X(11): 7-4-2110, 27-26-206
HB0068_X(12): 7-4-2110, 27-26-206
HB0068_X(2): 7-4-2110, 27-26-206
HB0068_X(3): 7-4-2110, 27-26-206
HB0068_X(4): 7-4-2110, 27-26-206
HB0068_X(5): 7-4-2110, 27-26-206
HB0068_X(6): 7-4-2110, 27-26-206
HB0068_X(7): 7-4-2110, 27-26-206
HB0068_X(8): 7-4-2110, 27-26-206
HB0068_X(9): 7-4-2110, 27-26-206
HB0068_X: 7-4-2110, 27-26-206