Montana 2023 Regular Session

Montana Senate Bill SB230

Introduced
1/26/23  

Caption

Provide that office of court administrator is under clerk of the supreme court

Impact

The implications of SB230 are significant as it would revise key sections of the Montana Code Annotated, altering the duties and appointment methods of the court administrator. For instance, it empowers the Clerk of the Supreme Court to have direct control over the appointment of the court administrator, thereby increasing the Clerk's authority in judicial branch operations. As a result, this could lead to more consistent oversight of court budgets and program administration, especially regarding programs that assist indigent victims and other judicial support services.

Summary

SB230 proposes to amend the structure of the Office of Court Administrator in Montana by designating that the court administrator serves at the pleasure of the Clerk of the Supreme Court instead of the Supreme Court itself. This change is intended to streamline the administrative hierarchy within the Montana judicial system, enhancing the operational effectiveness of the courts. By centralizing authority under the Clerk of the Supreme Court, the bill aims to improve the administration and oversight of court operations and budgets.

Contention

While supporters argue that this bill will foster a more efficient court system by consolidating responsibility under the Clerk, there may be concerns about the potential for diminished oversight from the Supreme Court. Critics might contend that this centralization could lead to bureaucratic challenges or limit judicial independence, as the court administrator's role becomes more closely tied to the Clerk's policies and directives. There may also be debates concerning how well this structural change aligns with the judiciary's broader goals of maintaining checks and balances within its operational framework.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

MT SB342

Provide that chief justice appoints the court administrator

MT SB44

Revise laws pertaining to court administration of certain civil cases

MT SB410

Removing duty of court administrator

MT HB1217

Court interpreters; revise program under the Administration of the Administrative Office of Courts.

MT SB332

Require appointment of clerk of supreme court

MT HB1224

Court administrators; revise manner for establishing office and revise Administrative Office of Courts to evaluate prospective hires.

MT SB72

Revise judicial administration of water rights

MT SB2822

Administrative Office of Courts; bring forward code sections related to.

MT HB722

Generally revise district courts budget presentation in budget

MT SB2277

Clerks of court; and to provide an appropriation.

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