Confirm governor's appointee for the board of regents of higher education
Summary
Senate Resolution 71 is a confirmation resolution for a gubernatorial appointment to the Montana Board of Regents of Higher Education. The resolution states that Governor Greg Gianforte appointed Raina Mortenson of Dillon, Montana, to serve on the Board of Regents for a term ending July 1, 2025, and asks the Senate to concur in, confirm, and consent to that appointment under Montana law.
The resolution does not create a new policy program, appropriate funds, or amend substantive education statutes. Instead, it carries out the Senate’s constitutional and statutory role in confirming certain executive appointments, and directs that the adopted resolution be transmitted to the Secretary of State and the Governor. Its practical effect is to finalize Mortenson’s service on the Board of Regents for the stated term.
Impact
SR 71 affects the composition of the Montana Board of Regents of Higher Education by confirming one member appointed by the Governor. It operates under existing appointment and confirmation provisions in sections 5-5-302 and 5-5-303, MCA, and section 2-15-1508, MCA, but does not alter those statutes. The bill’s impact is limited to personnel and governance of the higher education system, rather than changing higher education policy or funding.
Sentiment
The sentiment around SR 71 appears strongly favorable and noncontroversial. The resolution passed the Senate Education and Cultural Resources Committee 14-0 and then passed the full Senate 49-0, indicating unanimous support among voting members. There is no recorded committee testimony or debate in the provided materials suggesting opposition or concern.
Contention
No notable points of contention are reflected in the available record. Because the measure is a confirmation resolution, any disagreement would likely have centered on the appointee’s qualifications, the Governor’s selection, or broader views about the Board of Regents, but none of those issues appear in the transcripts or votes provided. The unanimous votes suggest the appointment was broadly accepted.