Former Senate leader Jason Ellsworth has been permanently banned from the Senate floor following a censure linked to a recent ethics investigation. The investigation centered on a controversial government contract given to a friend. The Senate voted 44 to 6 to censure the Republican from Hamilton. Ellsworth survived three expulsion votes, none of which achieved the two-thirds majority required.
The censure was celebrated by both parties. Senate Majority Leader Tom McGillvray highlighted multiple past infractions, including a $600,000 fine from a 2009 FTC complaint related to magazine sales. He also mentioned Ellsworth’s abuse of power resulting in misdemeanor charges and a 2023 domestic abuse allegation. The most recent ethics issue involved two problematic government contracts that a legislative audit branded as fraudulent.
The controversy arose when Ellsworth did not disclose his ties with Bryce Eggleston, who received a $170,100 contract to analyze implementation of judicial reform bills. The investigation found Ellsworth manipulated contract structuring to bypass bidding thresholds. After public scrutiny, the contract was converted to a “sole source” agreement, exempt from bidding.
The contracts were flagged by Senate President Matt Regier and Majority Aide Rhonda Knudsen. Eggleston withdrew due to the spotlight. Senate Minority Leader Pat Flowers criticized Ellsworth’s conflict of interest, supporting the censure as fair.
Ellsworth’s penalties include losing Senate roles and remote voting during the 2025 biennium. Communication with government staff is prohibited, and he lost access to legislative offices. Ellsworth, absent on voting day, opposed the censure. Sen. Ellie Boldman raised fairness concerns and suggested Ellsworth’s punishment might be linked to defying Republican leaders earlier in the session.
Sen. Jonathan Windy Boy recommended a tiered disciplinary system. Meanwhile, a Department of Justice investigation continues. The Senate Rules Committee faces a request to assess Senate President Regier’s use of public funds for outside legal aid.
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