Comments on: Montana’s Chief Justice Speaks, who Listens?

By: shlep: the Self-Help Law ExPress » Blog Archive » Montana Legislative Update

Mon, 26 Feb 2007 16:44:11 +0000

[...] Well folks, it has been a bumpy ride but we’re still on track. House Bill 60, which would establish a statewide self-help/pro se program, was heard by the House Judiciary Committee on the 7th of February (more back-story on the bill in this previous post). The hearing went fairly well, with over 20 individuals from organizations ranging from the AARP to the Montana Trial Lawyer’s Association to God’s Love Homeless Shelter testifying as proponents for the bill. No opponents were present and after short deliberation the Committee passed the bill during executive action on a vote of 10-7 (3 Republicans and all 7 Democrats voted in favor). [...]

By: shlep: the Self-Help Law ExPress » Blog Archive » an early Valentine to SelfHelpSupport.org

Sun, 11 Feb 2007 05:22:24 +0000

[...] A link to Montana House Bill 60: “Access to Justice Civil Act, Self-Help Program”, which was introduced by J. Parker and would provide for “state-level, self-help legal resources, tools, information, and training materials on a statewide basis in a cost-effective manner emphasizing technology and volunteer services.” If passed, the law would fulfill the self-help goals of the State’s Chief Justice, discussed by Orijit Ghosal in this post last month. A hearing on the Bill was held on Feb. 7, 2007. [...]

By: david giacalone

david giacalone — Sat, 20 Jan 2007 21:55:25 +0000

Thanks for the update, Orijit. I hope we get good news soon.

By: OGhoshal

OGhoshal — Sat, 20 Jan 2007 18:41:03 +0000

(1) The governor has not included the project in his budget but he has indicated that he would not veto the bill if it crosses his desk.

(2) The legislative meeting for the 22nd has been canceled, as it was in front of the House Appropriations Committee. The sponsor of the bill has requested a change in schedule in order for the bill to go to subject committee (Judiciary) first. You can check the status of the bill here:

http://laws.leg.mt.gov/pls/laws07/LAW0203W$BSRV.ActionQuery?P_BLTP_BILL_TYP_CD=HB&P_BILL_NO=0060&P_BILL_DFT_NO=&P_CHPT_NO=&Z_ACTION=Find&P_SBJ_DESCR=&P_SBJT_SBJ_CD=&P_LST_NM1=&P_ENTY_ID_SEQ=

By: david giacalone

david giacalone — Sat, 20 Jan 2007 03:35:23 +0000

Thanks, Orijit, for giving us a close look at the hard task of bringing access to justice to all Montanans. Two questions: (1) has the governor indicated support for the self-help agenda? (2) are you going to be at the Monday, January 22, legislative hearing on HR60, and give us a report? (see Billings Gazette, Jan. 19, 2007)