Montana Title 3. Judiciary, Courts § 3-1-1106. Investigation of judicial officers--complaint--hearing--recommendations

(1)(a) The commission, upon the filing of a written complaint by any citizen of the state, shall initiate an investigation of any judicial officer in the state to determine if there are grounds for conducting additional proceedings before the commission. If the commission's investigation indicates that additional proceedings before the commission may be justified, the commission shall require the citizen who filed the original written complaint to sign a verified written complaint by affidavit before conducting additional proceedings.

(b) The commission shall give the judicial officer written notice of the citizen's complaint and of the initiation of an investigation. Notice must also be given if a verified written complaint by affidavit is filed and must include the charges made, the grounds for the charges, and a statement that the judicial officer may file an answer. The notice must be signed by the commission.

(a) order a hearing to be held before it concerning the censure, suspension, removal, or retirement of a judicial officer;

(b) publicly advise the judicial officer and the supreme court, in writing, that the complaint will be dismissed if the judicial officer files with the commission a letter stating that the officer will take corrective action satisfactory to the commission; or

(c) request that the supreme court appoint one or more special masters who are judges of courts of record to hear and take evidence and to report to the commission.