Senate President Invites Public to Serve on Judicial Select Committee

Ellsworth Also Appoints Senate Democrats, House Republicans

HELENA, Mont.— Montana Senate President Jason Ellsworth, R-Hamilton, announced today that he is inviting members of the public to serve on the Senate Select Committee on Judicial Oversight and Reform.

Ellsworth announced earlier this month that he is forming the committee to look into overreach by Montana judges and develop solutions to restore the separation of powers among Montana's three branches of government.

"The Legislature is the branch of government closest to the people, so I'd love to have the people participate directly in this committee," Ellsworth said. "If you have good insights to offer the Legislature as we look for reforms to address Montana's out-of-control courts, please consider applying to serve on the committee."

Anyone who is not a current legislator or employee of the Legislative Branch is invited to apply to serve on the select committee.

Ellsworth will choose up to three members of the public to serve as non-voting, ad hoc members of the committee. Public members will be responsible for covering any of their own costs associated with serving on the committee.

To apply, please email the following information to the Secretary of the Senate, Marilyn Miller, at [email protected]:

Your name

Address

Email

Phone number

A brief description of your background

A brief description of why you would be a valuable

contributor to the committee's work

Ellsworth appointed Senate Democrats and House Republicans to the committee yesterday, and invited House Minority Leader Kim Abbott, D-Helena, to choose Democratic House members. Senators will be the only voting members of the committee, but Ellsworth wants the committee to also have input from the House of Representatives and the public.

"Proper separation of powers among Montana's three branches of government is a fundamental constitutional issue with important policy impacts that affect people throughout the state," Ellsworth said. "I'm appointing the members of this committee to reflect the makeup of the Legislature and get the public directly involved as well. I'm hopeful that Democrats and Republicans alike will do their jobs serving on the committee, protecting the Legislature's role as the policymaking branch of government and recommending thoughtful reforms to ensure Montana's courts stay in their constitutional lane."

Ellsworth also responded to claims by certain Democrats that they would not participate in the committee.

"Not showing up and participating would be an insult to their constituents. It would rob the people that elected them of having a voice on an important legislative committee," Ellsworth said. "There's no excuse for elected officials to choose not to do the work that they were elected to do."

Following yesterday's appointments, the Senate Select Committee on Judicial Oversight and Reform now includes the following bipartisan members:

Sen. Jen Gross, D-Billings

Sen. Shane Morigeau, D-Missoula

Sen. Mary Ann Dunwell, D-Helena

Sen. Janet Ellis, D-Helena

Sen. Andrea Olsen, D-Missoula

House Majority Leader Sue Vinton, R-Billings

Rep. Lyn Hellegaard, R-Missoula

Rep. Fiona Nave, R-Columbus

Two House Democrats, forthcoming

Up to three members of the public, forthcoming

All new appointees received letters yesterday confirming their appointment to the committee. Previously appointed to the committee were:

Senate President Jason Ellsworth, R-Hamilton (Chair)

Senate Majority Whip Barry Usher, R-Yellowstone/Musselshell (Vice Chair)

Senate Majority Leader Steve Fitzpatrick, R-Great Falls

Senate Majority Whip Tom McGillvray, R-Billings

Senate Majority Whip Steve Hinebauch, R-Wibaux

Sen. Wendy McKamey, R-Great Falls

Sen. Carl Glimm, R-Kila

Sen. Chris Friedel, R-Billings

Sen. Mark Noland, R-Bigfork

Sen. Daniel Emrich, R-Great Falls