Austin Knudsen

The governor has filled a utility commission seat left vacant after sexual harassment claims against the former commissioner. A judge has ruled that the Montana Republican Party’s new bylaws infringe on state primary elections. The Meta settlement over social media harms to minors will send at least $89 million to Montana.

After Montana’s Attorney General made an opinion that would kick two moderate Republican lawmakers off the ballot, a district judge has issued a restraining order on the decision – keeping both lawmakers in the race.

Montana’s top law enforcement officer joined Vice President J.D. Vance for an anti-fraud roundtable this week. President Donald Trump earlier this year declared what he called a “full-scale war” on fraud in public benefit programs like Medicaid and nutrition assistance.

State Attorney General Austin Knudsen is demanding federal regulators take a close look at one of the largest A.I. companies in the world before it hits the stock market. Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a leading voice for progressive Democrats, will stump for a Montana candidate next week. All but one of Montana’s seven largest cities added new residents last year.

A congressional candidate reenters the race despite allegations of sexual misconduct. A legislative candidate faces sexual abuse allegations. A GOP "dark money" PAC uses AI to disparage other Republicans. A battle between the A.G. and a county attorney ends up at the state Supreme Court.

The Montana Supreme Court dismissed a challenge to a proposed ballot initiative aimed at dark money in politics. A coalition of industry groups sued to block the proposal. They argue it’s unconstitutionally vague and violates their right to free speech.

Helena City Police will no longer be prevented from working with federal immigration enforcement. The Helena City Commission last week voted to rescind the restriction after legal threats from Montana’s attorney general.

Briefs: Glacier National Park is ending its ticketed entry system this summer; A merger between two major freight-rail companies has drawn concerns from rail-dependent states, including Montana; A historic resort near Glacier National Park is slated to close operations in March.

Montana’s top attorney is investigating the city of Helena. City commissioners recently passed a resolution stating Helena will avoid assisting federal immigration enforcement efforts. Gov. Gianforte called for the investigation and warned of penalties for cities defying state law.

Gov. Gianforte and Attorney General Austin Knudsen are working to raise public awareness during Human Trafficking Awareness Month, and enable state officials to prevent the “heinous crime.”