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Montana

Overview

  • Montana’s general jurisdiction courts are primarily state-funded.  The counties pay for courtroom and office space for judges and staff and for the salary of the clerks of district court and their operations.  The state’s limited jurisdiction courts are primarily funded by the cities and counties; however, the state provides information technology support for these courts and training for judges.
  • Montana’s state appropriation was reduced by 1-4% in FY10 and 5-8% in FY11.  Its FY10 appropriation was $34.7 million.  Its FY11 budget will be $34.8 million.
  • To respond to budget reductions, Montana has frozen salaries and delayed filling vacancies in judicial support positions.  Montana has implemented a menu of measures aimed at reducing operating expenses (e.g., reducing judicial education and prohibiting out-of-state travel).
  • Montana is implementing E-citations, E-payment of fees and fines an electronic document management system and is videoconferencing some hearings.

  • To enhance efficiency, Montana is reallocating staff, setting staffing standards to more efficient norms, implementing performance standards for the Supreme Court and develolping performance standards for the trial courts.
  • A request for proposals for an e-filing system is being developed. Several videoconferencing sites have been added to the Judicial Video Network with the goal of having at least one site in each of the 56 counties; the network is used for training and meetings in addition to conducting hearings.
  • The Judicial Branch receives guidance on budget issues and court practices, processes and structure from its statutory District Court Council. The Legislative Branch recently has appointed several subcommittees to examine options for reducing the state's budget in preparation for the 2011 legislative session. One of these subcommittees is looking into options for reducing the Judicial Branch budget.

Reports and Articles

Gavel to Gavel

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