WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

LC 2259

Revise the law regarding substitution of judges

2025 Regular Session

Montana bill proposing revisions to judge substitution procedures died in legislative draft stage without advancing to full consideration.

(LC) Draft Died in Process
#judgesandjustices(seealso:courts)
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · LC 2259

Legislative bill overview

Bill LC 2259 would modify Montana's existing legal procedures for substituting judges in court cases. The bill did not advance beyond the draft stage and died in the legislative process in May 2025. Without access to the specific text, the exact nature of the revisions—whether expanding, restricting, or clarifying substitution procedures—cannot be determined.

Why is this important

Judge substitution procedures affect parties' rights to fair trials and can address concerns about judicial impartiality or conflicts of interest. Changes to these rules could impact case outcomes, judicial efficiency, and public confidence in the court system, depending on which direction the revisions moved.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope of substitution rights – Whether parties can more easily or more restrictively request a different judge (could affect access to justice vs. judicial stability)
  • Grounds for substitution – What legitimate reasons qualify for judge changes (bias, conflict of interest, etc.)
  • Procedural barriers – Whether administrative or evidentiary hurdles make substitutions harder or easier to obtain

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

Sign in to ask a question.