This bill amends several sections of the Montana Code Annotated (MCA) to establish that the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court is responsible for appointing and directing the Court Administrator. Specifically, it modifies Section 3-1-130 to indicate that the Court Administrator will administer the judicial branch personnel plan under the direction of the Chief Justice, rather than the Supreme Court. Additionally, Section 3-1-701 is amended to clarify that the Chief Justice will appoint the Court Administrator, who will serve at the pleasure of the Chief Justice. Section 3-1-702 is also updated to reflect that the Court Administrator's duties will be carried out under the direction of the Chief Justice.

The bill includes provisions for an immediate effective date and retroactive applicability, meaning it will apply to Court Administrators appointed before the effective date of the act. This change aims to streamline the administrative structure of the judicial branch by centralizing authority under the Chief Justice, thereby enhancing accountability and oversight in the administration of court operations.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 3-1-130, 3-1-701, 3-1-702
SB0342_1(1): 3-1-130, 3-1-701, 3-1-702
SB0342_1(2): 3-1-130, 3-1-701, 3-1-702
SB0342_1(3): 3-1-130, 3-1-701, 3-1-702
SB0342_1(4): 3-1-130, 3-1-701, 3-1-702
SB0342_1(5): 3-1-130, 3-1-701, 3-1-702
SB0342_1: 3-1-130, 3-1-701, 3-1-702
SB0342_X(1): 3-1-130, 3-1-701, 3-1-702
SB0342_X(10): 3-1-130, 3-1-701, 3-1-702
SB0342_X(11): 3-1-130, 3-1-701, 3-1-702
SB0342_X(12): 3-1-130, 3-1-701, 3-1-702
SB0342_X(2): 3-1-130, 3-1-701, 3-1-702
SB0342_X(3): 3-1-130, 3-1-701, 3-1-702
SB0342_X(4): 3-1-130, 3-1-701, 3-1-702
SB0342_X(5): 3-1-130, 3-1-701, 3-1-702
SB0342_X(6): 3-1-130, 3-1-701, 3-1-702
SB0342_X(7): 3-1-130, 3-1-701, 3-1-702
SB0342_X(8): 3-1-130, 3-1-701, 3-1-702
SB0342_X(9): 3-1-130, 3-1-701, 3-1-702
SB0342_X: 3-1-130, 3-1-701, 3-1-702