Keith Schubert
Montana has spent $100k defending challenges to bills passed in the 2021 session
As of November, the state has spent an estimated 1,803 hours and $102,199 defending 14 cases challenging 18 different laws ranging from reproductive healthcare to how judicial vacancies are filled, according to a memo from Montana Legislative Audit Division.
Montana film industry excited about growth but needs more buy-in from the state
Going into Montana’s 2021 legislative session, a $20 million film and television studio was slotted to open in Missoula, but after an insufficient increase to the state’s film tax credit, the company abandoned its plans. The 10.7-acre lot will now be home to an electrical trucking facility.
New report highlights nursing workforce shortage in the state
According to the report, Montana’s unemployment rate among registered nurses is just 1.2%, slightly below the national average of 1.9%, indicating tight labor markets.
Privacy concerns prompt state Legislature to study facial recognition
Most Montanans probably do not know that when they go to get their driver’s license picture taken, it is entering a system that feeds into a larger database used by national law enforcement agencies.
Montana Nurses Association said it’s shut out by Gianforte
Over the last three months, as the coronavirus has continued to cripple the state, the Montana Nurses Association said it has tried eight times to schedule a meeting with Gov. Greg Gianforte to address the need for more support for nurses on the front lines.
Whitefish school board recall effort is emblematic of bigger movement
A campaign to recall all members of the Whitefish school board is underway, with supporters arguing trustees ignored parents’ constitutional rights by not allowing the “right of participation” when deciding to implement a mask mandate in the district.
Republican leaders approve investigation into AG over reports of threats to St. Peter’s
Republican legislative leadership approved a special counsel investigation proposed by state Democrats into reports that Attorney General Austin Knudsen used state resources, including law enforcement, to harass and intimidate physicians at St. Peter’s Hospital in Helena.
Montana’s public defenders air caseload frustrations to legislative committee
Two days after being held in contempt of court in Yellowstone County, the Montana Office of Public Defenders appeared before a legislative budget subcommittee dedicated to public safety on Wednesday to explain how they plan to navigate heavy caseloads with finite resources.
Montana judges defend Judicial Standards Commission at hearing
The judges again defended themselves for their responses to online polling by the Montana Judges Association about legislation impacting the judiciary. The judges also defended the commission and the need for an independent judiciary, but they said they welcomed the study.
MT Citizens for Right to Work sues COPP over ‘bizarre law’
Because the law only applies to mailers that criticize candidates and not endorse candidates, Citizens for Right to Work say it is unconstitutional, and COPP should not punish it for failing to notify the subjects of 2020 mailers.