Montana Title 2. Government Structure and Administration § 2-8-113. Hearings by standing committee--criteria for termination

(1) Prior to termination of an agency or program, the appropriate standing committee in each house of the legislature or a joint committee of both houses composed of members of the standing committee assigned to conduct the hearing shall hold a public hearing, receiving testimony from the public and the head of the department to which the agency or program involved is attached, the head of the agency involved, and persons who conducted the review.

(2) In the event termination of an agency or program is recommended by the legislative audit committee, the agency involved in the termination has the burden of demonstrating a public need for the agency's or program's continued existence and the extent to which a change in the composition, structure, and operation of the agency or program would improve public health, safety, or welfare.

(3) In determining whether to reestablish an agency or program, the legislature shall consider the performance audit and review conducted by the legislative audit committee, public testimony, and other matters considered relevant by the committee.