Republicans' judicial oversight committee to subpoena witnesses, require oaths • Daily Montanan

Senate Republicans on the Select Committee on Judicial Oversight and Reform voted Tuesday to require witnesses to testify under the threat of perjury and to subpoena any elected officials and their subordinates they wish to call.

Both amendments were brought by Senate President Jason Ellsworth , R- Hamilton and the chairman of the committee.

Democrats were invited to participate but declined calling it a waste of time and resources.

Sen. Daniel Emrich , R-Great Falls, questioned whether that would be sufficient for a perjury charge if no one was formally swearing a witness in under oath.

Sen. Ellsworth said the plan was to have language on sign-in sheets for in-person and online witnesses that will note they are testifying under oath. The committee voted unanimously to approve Ellsworth ’s motion.

A bill to prohibit retired judges from hearing cases involving constitutional challenges.

Consider sending complaints to the Judicial Standards Committee and attorney discipline board regarding comments made by members of the Bar at an event earlier this year .

A bill would ban retired judges hearing constitutional challenges in the state.

A proposed bill would also ban retired Judges from hearing constitutional cases.

A proposal to require retired judges to report to the legislature on constitutional challenges has been rejected.