STATE BAR LEGISLATIVE REPORT
Bar successful during ’19 legislative session marked by improved collegiality By Bruce Spencer and Ed Bartlett
The Montana Legislature adjourned sine die on Thursday, April 25, day 87 of a 90-day biennial session. Bucking the recent national trend of political partisanship this session was more collegial than any session in recent memory. In addition to improved collegiality, it was also a very successful session in terms of the success or failure of bills on which the bar took a position. (See the box on the facing page for the list of bills the bar supported and opposed, as well as those advocated by voluntary bar sections.)
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The judiciary was somewhat under attack this session with 28 bill drafts relating to judges or the judicial system. The State Bar successfully opposed bills that were harmful to the judiciary and the judicial process, however public education about judges and the judicial system is needed before the next legislative session. The bar was able to get amendments into a bill revising notary law to enable lawyers to satisfy their ethical duties regarding notary journals. The notary fight has been ongoing for many years and it was nice to see it resolved. The budget, while still not enough to adequately fund the judicial branch
Lobbying reimbursement for State Bar members The State Bar of Montana affords a refund process for a pro rata portion of member dues spent on lobbying efforts when the bar takes a position on a legislative bill with which a member disagrees. To request a refund, list the bill on which you disagreed with the State Bar’s position and send the list to: Lobbying Refund, State Bar of Montana, P.O. Box 577, Helena, MT 59624.
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