Category Archives: Legislature

Bullock-appointed judges face questions in Senate confirmation

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By Mara Silvers | Montana Free Press HELENA — Weeks after Gov. Greg Gianforte signed a bill overhauling the process for filling judicial vacancies, lawmakers on the Senate Judiciary Committee held confirmation hearings Wednesday for two judges appointed by former Gov. Steve Bullock. Cascade County District Judge Michele R. Levine and Lewis and Clark and Broadwater County District Judge Christopher Abbott faced extensive questioning after

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State beginning process for licenses for recreational marijuana after ballot iniative approved

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The Montana Department of Revenue has begun the process to make licenses available for recreational marijuana cultivation and sale by Oct. 1, 2021, following the recent voter approval of Initiative-190. “There’s a lot of work ahead before the first legal sale of non-medical marijuana in Montana, and before the first license is issued,” Gene Walborn, department director, said in a release. “We look forward to working

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Court rules in favor of Cascade County, orders transfer of sentenced inmates to DOC custody

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A Cascade County district court judge ruled in favor today of Cascade County and again ordered the transport of 11 inmates within five days from the county jail to Montana Department of Corrections facilities so they can begin serving their sentences. County Attorney Josh Racki said the county will now file similar motions seeking the transfer of about a dozen

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Legislative Roundup: House Rules, Medicaid and Public Lands Dominate First Week of Montana Legislature

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by Shaylee Ragar UM Community News Service | University of Montana School of Journalism The 66th Montana Legislature opened for business Jan. 7 and lawmakers spent much of the first week discussing what they hope to see for hot topic issues and bills, like public lands and Medicaid expansion. After newly-elected Senators and Representatives were sworn in, the House voted on

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