This bill, requested by the Senate Select Committee on Judicial Oversight and Reform, proposes to amend several sections of the Montana Code Annotated (MCA) to allow political parties to contribute to judicial candidates. Specifically, it amends Sections 3-10-201 and 3-10-206, removing the prohibition against political party contributions to justices of the peace, as previously stated in Section 13-35-231, which is also repealed. The amendments clarify the election process for justices of the peace and the handling of vacancies in their offices.

Additionally, the bill modifies Section 13-37-211 regarding joint fundraising committees, allowing for broader participation by political parties and candidates for statewide office. It establishes guidelines for the formation and operation of these committees, including the requirement for a written agreement on the allocation of fundraising proceeds and the necessity for transparency in contributions and expenditures. The overall intent of the bill is to enhance the ability of political parties to support judicial candidates financially, thereby potentially influencing the electoral landscape for judicial positions in Montana.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 3-10-201, 3-10-206, 13-37-211
HB0039_1: 3-10-201, 3-10-206, 13-37-211
HB0039_1(4): 3-10-201, 3-10-206, 13-37-211
HB0039_1(3): 3-10-201, 3-10-206, 13-37-211
HB0039_1(2): 3-10-201, 3-10-206, 13-37-211
HB0039_1(1): 3-10-201, 3-10-206, 13-37-211