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March 27, 2025
Regier to Rules
State Senator Shelley Vance of Belgrade challenges a recent Legislative Audit Division report clearing Senate President Matt Regier of misconduct. Vance is pushing for the Senate Rules Committee to review the findings, a step that could lead to an Ethics Committee investigation.
During an emotional Senate session, Vance recalled her late husband, Gordy Vance, and expressed concern over declining integrity in the Senate. She cited procedural rules to request a formal review of Regier’s conduct.
Senate Majority Leader Tom McGillvray stated the Rules Committee would not convene Thursday. Vance criticized the audit for limited interviews, involving only Regier, Financial Manager Angie Carter, and Deputy Director of Legal Services Jaret Coles.
Vance also mentioned the exclusion of the Department of Administration, which was involved in a previous investigation concerning former president Jason Ellsworth. She asserted its role was vital due to procurement authority.
Senator John Esp clarified that the Department was not consulted because the contract amount was under $100,000, unlike the $170,100 figure in Ellsworth’s case. Esp criticized the proposed investigation, arguing it wasted resources.
Still too hot to touch
Montana lawmakers blocked a change to a cooling-off law preventing ex-officials from becoming lobbyists right after office. The House State Administration Committee narrowly decided against Senate Bill 222, which aimed to end the two-year delay enforced by voters in 2006.
Rep. Lukas Schubert opposed the bill, citing public concerns over lobbyists’ influence, echoed by Rep. Kelly Kortum, who argued existing laws minimize undue influence.
Counterpoints were raised by Rep. Julie Darling, who cited constitutional challenges to similar laws elsewhere and dismissed perceptions of lobbyists’ influence as exaggerated.
Former Governor Brian Schweitzer recalled his initial surprise at lobbyists’ dominance in Helena’s political scene, advocating for maintaining the cooling-off period. Jon Motl noted that Montana’s law allows free speech testimony but prohibits lobbying soon after serving.
Knudsen hearing Friday
In an upcoming hearing, the Montana Supreme Court will address Attorney General Austin Knudsen’s conduct violations. Chief Justice Cory Swanson queried whether Knudsen could remain in office if his law license faced a 90-day suspension. Both Knudsen and the Disciplinary Counsel affirmed his position would be secure despite potential suspension.
Knudsen is under scrutiny for 41 professional conduct breaches, linked to defiance of a Supreme Court order. Disciplinary Counsel Tim Strauch noted legal precedents suggesting a 90-day suspension doesn’t equal three consecutive months of inactivity. Knudsen’s team contends his duties extend beyond legal practice and seek dismissal of the Commission on Practice’s conclusions.
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