Confirm governor's appointee for director of the department of natural resources and conservation
Summary
Senate Resolution 85 is a confirmation resolution that approves the Governor’s appointment of Amanda Kaster of Helena as Director of the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC). The resolution states that the Senate concurs in, confirms, and consents to the appointment, and directs the Secretary of the Senate to transmit the resolution to the Secretary of State and the Governor as required by Montana law.
This measure does not create new policy, amend statutory duties, or change the structure of state government. Instead, it carries out the Senate’s constitutional and statutory role in advising and consenting to a gubernatorial appointment for a cabinet-level executive branch position. The appointment is to serve at the pleasure of the Governor, consistent with the cited Montana Code provisions governing the department and appointment process.
Impact
SR 85 affects the personnel leadership of the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation by formally confirming the Governor’s choice of director. It does not alter substantive state law, but it completes the legal appointment process under sections 5-5-302 and 5-5-303, MCA, and related provisions governing the DNRC director’s office. The practical impact is to authorize Amanda Kaster to serve as the department’s chief administrator, overseeing state natural resource and conservation functions.
Sentiment
The bill appears to have been broadly supported and noncontroversial. It passed the Senate Natural Resources committee 11-0 and then passed the full Senate 49-0, indicating unanimous approval at both stages. The absence of committee transcripts or recorded debate suggests little visible opposition or public contention around the appointment.
Contention
No notable points of contention are reflected in the available record. Because SR 85 is a confirmation resolution rather than a policy bill, any disagreement would likely have centered on the qualifications, experience, or policy views of the appointee rather than on statutory language. However, the unanimous committee and floor votes indicate that no significant objections were raised in the legislative process.