How Austin Knudsen is flipping the script of attorney general
Montana Free Press interviewed more than a dozen former Department of Justice attorneys and legal observers. Some described Knudsen’s actions toward the judiciary as “breathtaking” and “embarrassing” for the legal profession. Others said the office’s tactics seem intentionally designed to undermine Montana’s democratic institutions. Knudsen says he’s doing what voters expect of him.
Latest Government Reporting
The Session podcast
What we’re looking forward to in week 17 of the Montana Legislature: last-minute legislation and maneuvering.
This week in Helena, April 19-23
A roundup of the week’s key action in the 67th Montana Legislature, from a voting rights lawsuit to financial reimbursements for wolf hunters.
Colstrip Sen. Duane Ankney revives part of NorthWestern Energy bill
The Senate Natural Resources Committee voted Friday to revive part of a controversial bill that sought to guarantee regulated utility monopolies like NorthWestern Energy a rate of return on new coal-fired power by weakening the Public Service Commission’s oversight.
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Trans athlete restriction bill clears Montana Legislature
Lawmakers on Friday passed a bill, largely along party lines, that would prohibit girls and women who are transgender from participating on women’s school sports teams.
Vaccine mandates: truth, fiction, and unknowns
Legislative proceedings stoked questions and concerns about COVID-19 vaccine requirements in Montana. Who is — and who isn’t — mandating vaccination, how strict are those policies, and how might HB 702 muddy the mix?
GOP lawmakers put brakes on controversial energy bill
Senate Bill 379, which would have greased the wheels for more Colstrip investment by NorthWestern Energy at ratepayer expense, dies in committee.
FWP: New bison herds on hold
Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks’ decision to settle a lawsuit brought by United Property Owners of Montana forecasts a major shift in the state’s bison management approach under Republican Gov. Greg Gianforte.
Election law changes spark lawsuit
The Montana Democratic Party is attempting to block changes to voting rights laws signed by Gov. Greg Gianforte.
Political appointees bill voted down in Senate
Amendments scaling back a bill that would have boosted the number of political appointees in state agencies weren’t enough to get it past the finish line in the state Senate, where it failed a final vote Tuesday.
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MORE GOVERNMENT REPORTING
Split movement for bills restricting transgender youth and athletes
Montana lawmakers on Tuesday advanced one bill curtailing the rights of transgender student athletes and voted to indefinitely postpone another bill that would restrict certain medical care for minors with gender dysphoria.
‘A highly unusual forum’
All seven Montana Supreme Court justices made virtual appearances Monday before a joint legislative committee investigating alleged bias in the judiciary, even as they maintained they weren’t necessarily subject to legislative subpoenas. The atypical exchange marked the latest development in a thorny power struggle between Montana’s legislative and judicial branches.
Gianforte approves changes to Montana election laws
Gov. Greg Gianforte has officially ended the state’s long-standing practice of allowing citizens to register to vote on Election Day, a change he said will help preserve the integrity of Montana’s elections, but that critics have decried as a blatant attack on voter rights.
The Session podcast
What we’re looking forward to in week 16 of the Montana Legislature: Separation of powers and the future of Colstrip.
This week in Helena, April 12-16
A roundup of the week’s key action in the 67th Montana Legislature, from regulatory takings to immunity passports.
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