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69th Legislature 2025 SJ 28
- 1 - Authorized Print Version – SJ 28
ENROLLED BILL
A JOINT RESOLUTION OF THE SENATE AND THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF
MONTANA REQUESTING AN INTERIM STUDY OF ETHICS; AND REQUIRING THAT THE FINAL RESULTS
OF THE STUDY BE REPORTED TO THE 70TH LEGISLATURE.
WHEREAS, Article XIII, section 4, of the Montana Constitution states: "The legislature shall provide a
code of ethics prohibiting conflict between public duty and private interest for members of the legislature and all
state and local officers and employees"; and
WHEREAS, the Legislature enacted a code of ethics in 1977, which is codified in Title 2, chapter 2, part
1, MCA; and
WHEREAS, the Joint Rules of the Legislature, the Senate Rules, and the House Rules also provide
ethics rules applicable to the Legislature; and
WHEREAS, under section 2-2-136(1)(a), MCA, the Commissioner of Political Practices has a role in
the enforcement of the code of ethics but does not have jurisdiction for a complaint concerning a legislator if a
legislative act is involved in the complaint; and
WHEREAS, the Senate Ethics Committee and the body of the Senate have considered ethical issues
during this 69th legislative session and that experience may guide a study.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE AND THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF
THE STATE OF MONTANA:
That the Legislative Council study ethics issues. The study must include:
(1) developing a process grounded in legislative procedure for adjudicating ethics issues;
(2) determining where there are overlaps or gaps between the authority of the Legislature and the
Commissioner of Political Practices; and
69th Legislature 2025 SJ 28
- 2 - Authorized Print Version – SJ 28
ENROLLED BILL
(3) considering revisions to the code of ethics and legislative rules that the Legislative Council
considers necessary and expedient.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that all aspects of the study be concluded prior to September 15, 2026.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the final results of the study, including any findings, conclusions,
comments, or recommendations, be reported to the rules committees of the 70th Legislature and to the 70th
Legislature.
- END -
I hereby certify that the within bill,
SJ 28, originated in the Senate.
___________________________________________
Secretary of the Senate
___________________________________________
President of the Senate
Signed this _______________________________day
of____________________________________, 2025.
___________________________________________
Speaker of the House
Signed this _______________________________day
of____________________________________, 2025.
SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 28
INTRODUCED BY P. FLOWERS, F. MANDEVILLE, A. OLSEN, T. MCGILLVRAY, C. NEUMANN, C. POPE, L.
SMITH
A JOINT RESOLUTION OF THE SENATE AND THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF
MONTANA REQUESTING AN INTERIM STUDY OF ETHICS; AND REQUIRING THAT THE FINAL RESULTS
OF THE STUDY BE REPORTED TO THE 70TH LEGISLATURE.