HOUSE BILL NO. 173
INTRODUCED BY L. JENT
A BILL FOR AN ACT ENTITLED: "AN ACT REQUIRING THE GOVERNOR AND LEGISLATIVE LEADERSHIP TO AGREE ON TIMES DURING EACH REGULAR LEGISLATIVE SESSION WHEN THE GOVERNOR WILL RESPOND TO QUESTIONS FROM THE MEMBERS OF THE SENATE AND THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES; AND REQUIRING THE LEGISLATURE TO ADOPT RULES."
WHEREAS, many members of the Legislature hear concerns from their constituents regarding the policies of the state and the operation of the agencies of the Executive Branch of state government; and
WHEREAS, under Article VI, section 4, of the Montana Constitution, all executive power of the state is vested in the Governor, and pursuant to section 2-15-201, MCA, the Governor supervises the official conduct of all executive and ministerial officers who carry out state policies and laws; and
WHEREAS, the Governor is uniquely qualified by virtue of the Governor's constitutional status and statutory functions to speak on state policies and otherwise address the concerns of the people of Montana brought to a session of the Legislature by their elected representatives; and
WHEREAS, it is therefore highly appropriate that the Legislature and the Governor agree to established times during the course of a legislative session for the Governor to respond to the concerns of the people of Montana and other concerns of members of the Legislature.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MONTANA:
NEW SECTION. Section 1. Governor to attend legislative sessions to respond to issues of state policy and concerns of voters. (1) The governor shall, in consultation with the legislative leadership immediately preceding a regular session of the legislature, agree to a schedule of regular times of not less than once each week in each house of the legislature during which the governor will attend sessions of each house to respond to questions by the members of each of those bodies.
(2) The senate and the house of representatives shall adopt rules to implement subsection (1).
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Latest Version of HB 173 (HB0173.01)
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