Revise supreme court public records laws by opening deliberations and files to the public
What it does: On the version voted Apr 30, 2025: Requires the Montana Supreme Court to record its closed deliberation meetings and keep a written record, and makes both available to the public after the case is final, though the court may redact confidential information. (AI-written summary of the bill; the official record shows the exact version voted)
Question before the chamber: Do Not Concur
A yes vote declined to accept the House amendments to SB 40, which would make Supreme Court deliberation records and case information public once a case is final. (AI-written)
The tally
Yes 31 · No 18 · Not voting 1
Bar: green = yes, brown = no, striped = not voting.
| Party | Yes | No | Not voting |
|---|---|---|---|
| Democrats | 0 | 18 | 0 |
| Republicans | 31 | 0 | 1 |
Most Democrats voted no; most Republicans voted yes.
The full roll (50)
Yes 31
- Barry UsherR19
- Becky BeardR38
- Bob PhalenR17
- Butch GillespieR9
- Daniel EmrichR11
- Daniel ZolnikovR22
- Denley LogeR45
- Dennis LenzR25
- Forrest MandevilleR28
- Gayle LammersR21
- Greg HertzR7
- Gregg HunterR15
- Jason EllsworthR43
- Jeremy TrebasR10
- John EspR29
- John FullerR4
- Josh KassmierR13
- Ken BognerR18
- Mark NolandR6
- Matt RegierR5
- Mike CuffeR1
- Mike YakawichR24
- Russel TempelR14
- Shelley VanceR34
- Sue VintonR20
- Theresa ManzellaR44
- Tom McGillvrayR26
- Tony TezakR35
- Vince RicciR27
- Wendy McKameyR12
- Wylie GaltR39
No 18
Not voting 1
“Not voting” is a recorded non-vote, not a reason for the absence. Parties come from public rosters; how we count.