What will be the fate of the governor’s mansion?
The fate of the 67-year-old executive residence that Montana governors used to live in could be decided soon. In a survey that closed last month, the state Department of Administration asked the public what they think should happen to the vacant house. The DOA’s Capitol Complex Advisory Council will present the survey results and cost…
Latest Government Reporting
Cash crunch triggers lease hikes in Virginia City, Reeder’s Alley
Things are escalating into a standoff at Montana’s state-owned ghost towns, where rising rents and theme park ambitions, along with a case of embezzlement, are frustrating the owners of some of the state’s top tourist attractions in neighboring Virginia and Nevada cities in southwest Montana and Reeder’s Alley in Helena.
Gianforte appoints Montana Department of Corrections deputy director to lead the agency
Gov. Greg Gianforte appointed Eric Strauss, who currently serves as the state Department of Corrections’ deputy director, to lead the agency. The announcement comes two months after President Donald Trump appointed the agency’s current director, Brian Gootkin, to become the U.S. Marshal for the District of Montana.
Former Senate President Ellsworth charged with official misconduct
Former Republican state Senate President Jason Ellsworth will be charged with misdemeanor official misconduct for allegedly attempting to award $170,100 worth of government work to a friend, the state Department of Justice said.
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Gianforte, required to ‘reside’ in Helena, claims homestead tax exemption for Bozeman property
The homestead tax treatment claimed by Gov. Greg Gianforte for his longtime Bozeman property requires owners to occupy the property as a “principal residence.” The Montana Constitution requires governors to “reside at the seat of government” in Helena. The governor’s office has cited a “work assignments” exception to the tax residency requirement.
Judge orders Montana DMV to issue driver’s license to youth who applied as nonbinary
A Missoula District Court judge concluded the Montana Department of Justice discriminated by failing to approve a license application with a sex marker that matched the youth’s birth certificate. A DOJ spokesman indicated the state will appeal.
State contest will pick new highway welcome signs
The Montana Department of Commerce says the contest will select a new design inspired by the new promotional brand state officials unveiled in May.
Why only two towns submitted proposals for an eastern Montana mental health facility
The Gianforte administration’s monthslong effort to find an eastern Montana location for a new mental health facility drew official interest from just two towns: Hardin and Miles City.
Water back on at Montana State Prison
Running water returned to all parts of Montana State Prison, according to a press release from Montana Department of Corrections spokesperson Carolynn Stocker. The return comes a little more than two weeks after the department abruptly shut off supply to most of the facility in response to leaks in the system.
Montana State Prison pipe leaks create crisis and prompt broad water system overhaul
About 1,500 inmates at the state prison in Deer Lodge have been without running water for a week. Inmates and their families say they’re concerned about sanitation and safety for the roughly 90% of the prison’s population affected by the leak.
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MORE GOVERNMENT REPORTING
‘Concerned’ labor department to review addiction recovery program for medical providers
After a slew of public critiques, Montana’s labor department announced it will review the state’s process for monitoring medical providers struggling with addiction and mental health issues.
Legislative audit flags ‘instability’ in medical monitoring program for nurses, doctors
A program to monitor and support medical providers dealing with addiction and mental health issues has lost the trust of stakeholders, legislative auditors found, creating potential public safety and liability risks.
Initiatives seek to keep Montana judicial races nonpartisan
The first proposal would amend the state Constitution to require that judicial elections remain nonpartisan. The second proposal goes a step further by requiring any new court created by the Legislature to also be nonpartisan.
Montana attorney general to end legal services for state agencies
The Montana Department of Justice intends to stop providing legal and investigative services under contract to state agencies, citing concerns about the sustainability of the practice.
Governor sued over appointing legislator to lead state commerce department
A Jefferson County man is suing Gov. Greg Gianforte for appointing a state legislator to lead the Montana Department of Commerce. Commerce Director Marta Bertoglio was appointed while still representing Jefferson County in the Montana House. One of the former representative’s constituents, Jordan Williams, argues that the Montana Constitution’s “disqualification provision” bans legislators from appointments…
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