Archives West Finding Aid

The Montana Legislative Council was created by the 35th Legislative Assembly in 1957. The Council was composed of six members of the House of Representatives appointed by the Speaker of the House and six members of the Senate appointed by the Senate Committee on Committees. No more than three appointees from each house were to belong to a single party. Appointees served for the length of their term of office or December 31 of the following year, whichever came first. The Council was given the responsibility to "accumulate, compile, analyze, and furnish such information bearing upon matters relating to existing or prospective legislation as may be determined by its own initiative pertaining to important issues of policy and questions of statewide importance...." e.g., consolidation of state bodies, financial administration, efficiency in government, etc. The Council was also to prepare "such bills and resolutions as in its opinion the welfare of the state may require," and present these to the succeeding regular session of the legislature. The Council was given the authority to hold hearings, issue subpoenas, administer oaths, and cause depositions of witnesses to be taken. A primary function of the Council is to undertake research, usually on topics assigned by a joint resolution during the previous legislative session but also on topics the Council determines are important. In most cases the Council appoints a subcommittee composed of legislators and/or, less commonly, private citizens which assumes the primary responsibility for directing staff research. Subcommittees submit their findings, recommendations, and legislation to the full Council which may reject, amend, or accept them. All subcommittee reports adopted by the Council are published and distributed before the legislative session. In addition to conducting studies on specific topics, the Legislative Council staff is available to legislators and standing committees during the legislative session to prepare reports and draft bills on any subject of interest to legislators. This service was inaugurated in 1959. In the same year the Council was designated the Montana Commission on Interstate Cooperation whose purpose is to advance cooperation between Montana and other units of government. The Council also maintains a reference library and answers requests for information "in every possible area." In 1973 the Council was reduced in number to four members from each legislative house who served for two years. In addition, a Committee on Priorities, composed of four members of each legislative house, was established to consider resolutions requesting Council studies and other study requests, prepare a list of priorities, and perform other duties. In 1973 the Council was given the responsibility to publish all laws and resolutions passed or adopted by each session, prepare indices for them, and distribute copies to various agencies and repositories. Executive directors of the Council include Eugene C. Tidball, 1957-1965; Donald L. Sorte, 1965-1969; James W. Van Koten, 1969-1971; Rose E. Weber, 1971-1979; and Diana S. Dowling, 1979-1986.