Senate Bill No. [insert bill number] aims to revise and clarify terms related to judicial officers in Montana law by amending Section 1-1-202 of the Montana Code Annotated. The bill introduces new definitions and clarifications, including the concepts of "bias," "conflict of interest," "impartiality," and "open-mindedness." Specifically, it defines bias as a prejudice that may be inferred from various behaviors of a judicial officer, and it establishes that a conflict of interest arises when a judicial officer has an interest that could create bias. The bill also expands the definition of judicial officers to include administrative judges or hearing examiners, and it emphasizes the importance of impartiality and open-mindedness in judicial decision-making.

Additionally, the bill modifies existing definitions, such as changing the phrasing of "deposition" and "oral examination" to enhance clarity. It also removes certain terms from the definitions of judicial officers, streamlining the language used in the law. Overall, this legislation seeks to improve the understanding and application of judicial conduct standards in Montana, ensuring that judicial officers operate fairly and without bias.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 1-1-202
SB0066_1(1): 1-1-202
SB0066_1(2): 1-1-202
SB0066_1(3): 1-1-202
SB0066_1(4): 1-1-202
SB0066_1(5): 1-1-202
SB0066_1(6): 1-1-202
SB0066_1: 1-1-202