_____________ resolution NO. _____________

INTRODUCED BY _________________________________________________

By Request of the ****

A resolution of the house of representatives of the state of montana formalizing the Long-Held, traditional, and INVIOLABLE decorum of the Montana legislature that members of the house of representatives dress in professional business attire and comport themselves in a manner that respects and upholds the integrity of the legislative institution and is befitting of the honor and the privilege of the position that members of the house of REPRESENTATIVES hold in office on behalf of the citizens of montana.

WHEREAS, since the Montana Legislature's historical inception, it has been the long-held, traditional, and inviolable decorum of the Legislature that members dress in professional business attire in the House and Senate chambers and when conducting legislative business in the hallowed halls of the State Capitol Building; and

WHEREAS, members of the Legislature have always been expected to dress in a manner that reflects the seriousness and the highest standards of decorum of the Legislature and legislative proceedings and demonstrates an awareness of the Legislature as a respected and honored institution of the American system of democracy.

Now, therefore, be it resolved by the House of representatives OF THE STATE OF MONTANA:

That members of the House of Representatives dress in professional business attire in the House chambers and the State Capitol Building when conducting legislative business, and comport themselves in a manner that reflects and upholds the integrity of the legislative institution and is befitting of the honor and the privilege of the position that members hold in office on behalf of the citizens of Montana.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that:

(1) (a) "Professional business attire" means:

(i) for men, dressed in a suit, or dress slacks, jacket, and tie, and appropriate dress shoes or dress boots (sandals, flip flops, and tennis shoes are not considered appropriate); and

(ii) for women, dressed in a suit, or dress slacks, skirt, jacket, and dress blouse or suit-like dress, and appropriate dress shoes or dress boots (sandals, flip flops, and tennis shoes are not considered appropriate).

(b) The term does not include jeans or denim material clothing, including colored denim material, fleece material, or jersey or sweatshirt material.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that:

(1) House leadership is ultimately responsible for ensuring members are dressed in professional business attire; and

(2) the House Sergeant-at-Arms shall enforce the dress decorum policy set forth in this resolution and will notify members of any breach in dress decorum and is authorized to bar members who have breached dress decorum from physically or electronically entering the House chambers or House committee rooms until the member complies.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that legislative staff, members of the media, interns, aides, and pages shall abide by the dress decorum policy set forth in this resolution.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that there are no casual Fridays or Saturdays.