The bill amends Section 3-1-1115 of the Montana Code Annotated to allow the Speaker of the House of Representatives to appoint a person to fill certain anticipated vacancies on the Judicial Standards Commission. Specifically, it introduces a provision that states when a vacancy occurs or is anticipated due to the expiration of a term, the Speaker must notify district court judges, who will then provide a list of willing candidates to the legislative nomination panel. The panel will review the qualifications of these judges and forward at least three names to the Speaker, who will select a commissioner from that list.

Additionally, the bill establishes that members of the nomination panel will serve until the start of the first regular session after their appointment unless they are reappointed. It also includes a new section that specifies the act will take effect immediately upon passage and approval.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 3-1-1115
HB0431_1(1): 3-1-1115
HB0431_1: 3-1-1115