Senate Bill No. [number], introduced by G. Hertz, aims to revise laws related to district courts in Montana by combining the 10th and 14th Judicial Districts and providing an additional judge to the 13th Judicial District. The bill amends Sections 3-5-101 and 3-5-102 of the Montana Code Annotated (MCA) to reflect these changes. Specifically, the number of judicial districts is reduced from 22 to 21, with the 10th district now including Golden Valley, Meagher, Musselshell, Petroleum, and Wheatland Counties, while the 14th district is eliminated. Additionally, the number of judges in the 13th district is increased from eight to nine.

The bill also outlines a transition plan for filling judicial vacancies in the newly configured districts. If a vacancy occurs in the 10th or 14th districts after the bill's effective date, the governor will not appoint a replacement for the 10th or 14th district but will instead appoint a judge for the additional position in the 13th district. An election for a full six-year term for this new judge will take place in November 2030. The bill is set to take effect upon passage and approval, with specific provisions becoming effective on January 6, 2031, or upon the occurrence of a vacancy in the affected districts.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 3-5-101, 3-5-102
SB0284_1(1): 3-5-101, 3-5-102
SB0284_1(2): 3-5-101, 3-5-102
SB0284_1: 3-5-101, 3-5-102