Senate Bill No. introduced by D. Zolnikov aims to revise the provisions related to election judges in Montana. The bill establishes a notification requirement for county central committees when an election judge is permanently removed for violations or disruptions. It also introduces a complaint process for these committees if they do not receive the required notifications or if their submitted lists of nominees are not utilized in the selection of judges. Additionally, the bill amends existing laws regarding the selection process of election judges, ensuring that the governing body selects judges from lists provided by county central committees and allows for the inclusion of individuals who wish to serve without political party affiliation.

Key amendments include the requirement for the election administrator to notify county central committees about the need to submit lists of nominees, and the stipulation that election boards must include representatives from at least two political parties. The bill also emphasizes the importance of training for election judges, mandating that all judges attend training sessions and receive certificates of completion. Furthermore, it specifies that in emergencies, the election administrator should prioritize filling vacancies with individuals who hold current certificates. The act is set to take effect on January 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 13-4-102, 13-4-203
SB0470_1(1): 13-4-102, 13-4-203
SB0470_1: 13-4-102, 13-4-203