Confirm governor's appointees for board of water well contractors
Summary
Senate Resolution 43 is a confirmation resolution that approves the Governor’s appointments to the Montana Board of Water Well Contractors. The resolution specifically concurs in, confirms, and consents to the appointments of Doug Askin of Miles City, Andy Eslinger of Corvallis, and Dan O’Keefe of Butte, each for the term ending on the date specified in the resolution. It is a procedural measure rather than a policy bill, and its purpose is to complete the Senate’s constitutional and statutory role in confirming certain executive appointments.
The resolution directs the Secretary of the Senate to transmit copies to the Secretary of State and the Governor, which finalizes the appointment process under Montana law. By confirming these members, the Senate helps ensure the Board of Water Well Contractors remains fully staffed to carry out its regulatory responsibilities related to water well contracting and oversight in the state.
Impact
SR 43 does not amend substantive law, but it has an administrative effect under sections 5-5-302, 5-5-303, and 2-15-3307, MCA, by confirming gubernatorial appointees to a state board. Its practical impact is to maintain the functioning of the Board of Water Well Contractors, which regulates licensing and oversight of water well contractors and related professional standards in Montana.
Sentiment
The bill appears to have been noncontroversial and broadly supported. It passed the Senate Natural Resources vote 11-0 and the full Senate vote 49-0, indicating unanimous or near-unanimous approval. The absence of committee transcript debate also suggests the appointments were routine and not politically contentious.
Contention
There is no recorded substantive contention in the available materials. Because SR 43 is a confirmation resolution, any potential disagreement would likely have centered on the qualifications or suitability of the appointees, but no such objections appear in the vote record or transcripts. The unanimous votes suggest the Senate viewed the appointments as acceptable and uncontroversial.