8.6.26 Q&A Recap
Here is the slideshow (click here) covering the content from our third Q&A session! Additional information about each topic is included in the presentation. We discussed several topics, including:
Recapped July’s Law & Justice and Criminal Justice Oversight Council meetings
DOC update regarding the new women’s prison (click here)
DOC’s response to LCIC to committee concerns about TCCF in MS (click here)
Contract monitoring
Programming participation rates/programming offered at TCCF
4 deaths since the consolidation of Montanans in MS
Ombudsman bill update
Board of Pardon and Parole presentation (click here)
Potential 2027 legislative session bills
Automatic Court Reminder Texts (click here)
Parole reform
Sign up for our next Q&A session below!
Upcoming Interim Committee Meetings
We’re approaching the final interim meetings before the 2027 legislative session begins in January. At our next Q&A session, we’ll look at the agendas for these meetings and strategize. For now, just get them on your calendar!
Law & Justice (LJIC) - Tuesday, September 1st
Criminal Justice Oversight Council (CJOC) - Wednesday, September 2nd
Section D - Tuesday & Wednesday, September 15th-16th
Ombudsman Update
Law and Justice’s September 1st meeting is the last opportunity to support the Ombudsman bill in the interim, and the committee will take a vote. We need FIVE members’ support for the bill for it to be introduced as a committee bill in January.
What is a committee bill & why is it important?
If a majority of committee members (5) support it, the bill will be introduced in the session as a committee bill. Committee bills are proposed legislation introduced directly by a legislative committee, rather than an individual. Committee bills signal support and strengthen their prospects of passage into law.
What can you do?
Consider giving testimony in support at the last LJIC meeting (Sept. 1st)
Reach out to committee members directly and encourage them to support it
Do any LJIC members represent you? Do you have any personal connections?
LJIC Members Contact Information
Braxton Mitchell - Columbia Falls - HD5 - Braxton.Mitchell@legmt.gov
Barry Usher - Laurel - SD19 - Barry.Usher@legmt.gov
Steven Kelly - Kalispell - HD9 - Steven.Kelly@legmt.gov
Amy Regier - Kalispell - HD6 - Amy.Regier@legmt.gov
Sue Vinton - Billings - SD20 - Sue.Vinton@legmt.gov
Vince Ricci - Billings - SD27 - Vince.Ricci@legmt.gov
Shane Morigeau - Missoula - SD50 - Shane.Morigeau@legmt.gov
Zooey Zephyr - Missoula - HD95 - Zooey.Zephyr@legmt.gov
Katie Fire Thunder - HD59 - Katie.FireThunder@legmt.gov
Catalyst MT’s Testimony Scholarship Application
Catalyst MT is grounded in the conviction that the people closest to a problem have the best solutions to meaningfully address what they are experiencing. However, many factors prevent everyday people from engaging with our government. To address this, Catalyst's testimony scholarships offer limited need-based financial assistance (lodging and/or gas card) and testimony/general support from staff members. No income verification is required. Since funds are limited, justice-impacted people will be prioritized. For more information and to apply, click below!
