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VM

Bill

HB 116

Provide for attorneys to appear remotely

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Valerie Moore

Montana bill allowing remote attorney courtroom appearances died in Senate after failing procedural votes on judicial review requirements.

(H) Died in Process
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Bill Summary · HB 116

Legislative bill overview

HB 116 would have allowed attorneys in Montana to appear and participate in legal proceedings remotely rather than requiring their physical presence in courtrooms. The bill was introduced by Representative Valerie Moore but failed to advance through the Senate Judiciary Committee process.

Why is this important

Remote attorney appearance affects access to justice, particularly for rural practitioners and clients in sparsely populated areas, while also influencing court operations and the traditional structure of legal proceedings. The bill's failure suggests Montana lawmakers had concerns about maintaining in-person courtroom standards despite national trends toward remote legal participation adopted during and after the pandemic.

Potential points of contention

  • Courtroom decorum and judge discretion: Concerns that remote appearances could undermine courtroom authority, judicial oversight, and the ability of judges to assess attorney credibility and professionalism in real-time
  • Rural access versus traditional practice standards: Tension between improving access for rural Montana attorneys versus preserving long-standing requirements for physical courtroom presence in serious or contested matters
  • Technology reliability and equity: Questions about whether remote participation creates unequal conditions based on internet access quality and whether all case types (criminal, family law, high-stakes civil) should permit remote appearance equally

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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