Montana Title 3. Judiciary, Courts § 3-1-1010. Lists submitted to governor and chief justice--report on proceedings

(1) If a supreme court justice, a district court judge, the workers' compensation judge, the associate water judge, or the chief water judge gives notice of the judge's resignation to take effect on a specific date, the commission shall meet as soon as possible after the justice's or judge's proposed resignation date has been verified by the chief justice of the supreme court.  If notice is not given, the commission shall meet as soon as possible after a vacancy occurs.  The meeting must be held in compliance with 3-1-1007.  The commission shall submit to the governor or chief justice, within the time period established under 3-1-1007, a list of not less than three or more than five nominees for appointment to the vacant position.

(2) The list must be accompanied by a written report indicating the vote on each nominee, the content of the application submitted by each nominee, letters and public comments received regarding each nominee, and the commission's reasons for recommending each nominee for appointment.  The report must give specific reasons for recommending each nominee.