Senate Joint Resolution No. SJ 39.1 proposes an interim study of specialty courts in Montana, addressing the increasing caseloads in district courts, particularly in family law, youth care, and criminal matters. The resolution highlights the potential benefits of establishing a specialty court that could provide focused judicial expertise, enhance efficiency, and alleviate the burdens on the general district court system. It references the Montana Constitution's provisions that allow for the creation of additional courts and emphasizes the need for a study to evaluate the feasibility and structure of a specialty court aimed at resolving constitutional and government claims.
The resolution requests the Legislative Council to appoint an appropriate interim committee to conduct the study, which will include examining the current judicial structure, reviewing specialty court models from other states, analyzing the potential implementation of a specialty court in Montana, and assessing its impact on district courts and access to justice. The study is to be completed by September 15, 2026, with the final results, including findings and recommendations, to be reported to the 70th Legislature.