Montana’s legislative auditor concluded an investigation into Senate President Matt Regier, finding no evidence of waste, fraud, or abuse regarding his use of public funds to hire a private attorney. The investigation, initiated by Senate lawmakers, scrutinized Regier’s employment of an outside attorney for government work since the 2023 Legislature. Legislative Auditor Angus Maciver based his findings on discussions with Regier and two staff members involved in contracts with Lakeside attorney Abby Moscatel in 2023 and 2024.
This probe marked Maciver’s second investigation of a senator during the 2025 legislative session. Despite media interest, the report wasn’t shared with the press; instead, Senate leadership addressed the findings at a Capitol press conference. Regier, at the conference, claimed to be unfairly targeted by fellow Republicans, especially former Senate President Jason Ellsworth, whom Regier accused of misconduct in January. However, efforts to censure Ellsworth failed, despite a Senate Ethics Committee finding credible evidence of him not disclosing a relationship with a government contractor awarded $170,000 in contracts.
Regier criticized a Montana Free Press (MTFP) report examining his legal counsel decisions, alleging inaccuracies. However, the audit did not address these claims, focusing solely on legal and policy compliance. The audit confirmed MTFP’s report that Regier used public funds to hire a private attorney without needing a formal contract. MTFP Editor-in-Chief John Adams affirmed confidence in their reporting, which he said raised pertinent questions about public spending and legislative accountability.
Before Regier’s address, President Pro Tempore Ken Bogner lauded Regier as the “ethics sheriff” of the Montana Legislature, commending his actions against Ellsworth and his scrutiny of a contract renewal loophole with the Montana Lottery.
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