The bill mandates a one-time performance audit of the Montana State Bar Association, to be conducted by the legislative auditor. The audit will focus on understanding the funding sources of the state bar, analyzing its budgets, costs, and functions over the past decade, and assessing financial, operational, and technological risks. The judicial branch is responsible for covering the full cost of the audit, which must be completed and presented to the legislative audit committee by December 15, 2026. Following the committee's review, the audit findings will be shared with the law and justice interim committee and the budget subcommittee, and will also be made available on the legislative audit division's website.

Additionally, the bill amends Section 5-13-102 of the Montana Code Annotated to include "entities created by an order of or subject to supervision by the Montana supreme court" in the definition of "state agency." This change expands the scope of entities that fall under the legislative audit committee's oversight, ensuring that the Montana State Bar Association is included in the auditing process.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 5-13-102