The Senate Ethics Committee began hearings about Sen. Jason Ellsworth and his ties to a government contractor, sparking debate over defense witness eligibility. The high-stakes discussions focus on a $170,100 contract central to the case. Key witnesses include current Senate President Matt Regier, also under investigation for contract handling. The session aims to address whether personal conflicts have influenced the proceedings.
Ellsworth, R-Hamilton, plans to argue the charges arise from tensions with Regier, R-Kalispell. Legislative Auditor Angus Maciver, whom Ellsworth sued for $5 million over an allegedly false misconduct report, will also be called to testify. “There was nothing illegal about the contracts,” said Ellsworth’s attorney, Joan Mell, emphasizing that the delegation agreement proves its legality.
Witnesses included Financial Services Supervisor Angie Carter and Deputy Director of Legal Services Jaret Coles, who testified about two post-Christmas 2024 contracts exceeding $80,000. Concerns arose over splitting the contracts to bypass state bidding laws, as well as the awarding of work to contractor Bryce Eggleston, which legislative staff believed could have been done more cost-effectively in-house. Eggleston was tasked with overseeing the implementation of laws aimed at curbing court autonomy in Montana.
The ethics committee, split between two Republicans and two Democrats, will reconvene March 14 after the legislative transmittal break. Any findings will be forwarded to the full Senate for further action.
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