The bill aims to amend Section 3-1-1101 of the Montana Code Annotated by prohibiting a judge on the Judicial Standards Commission from serving as the presiding officer of the commission. This change is intended to enhance the impartiality and integrity of the commission by ensuring that a judge does not hold a leadership position that could influence the commission's decisions.

The composition of the Judicial Standards Commission remains unchanged, consisting of five members: two district court judges, one attorney with at least ten years of practice in Montana, and two citizens who are not attorneys or judges. All members are appointed by various state officials and confirmed by the Senate, serving staggered four-year terms. The new provision specifically inserts the restriction on judges serving as presiding officers, thereby reinforcing the commission's independence from judicial influence.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 3-1-1101
HB0036_1(1): 3-1-1101
HB0036_1(2): 3-1-1101
HB0036_1(3): 3-1-1101
HB0036_1(4): 3-1-1101
HB0036_1: 3-1-1101