Confirm governor's appointee for district court judge - district 20
Summary
SR 92 is a Senate resolution confirming the Governor’s appointment of John A. Mercer of Polson to serve as District Court Judge for Montana’s 20th Judicial District. The resolution states that the Senate concurs in, confirms, and consents to the appointment under the relevant Montana Code provisions governing judicial appointments and Senate confirmation.
The measure does not create new policy, amend substantive law, or appropriate funds. Its effect is limited to completing the constitutional and statutory confirmation process for a judicial appointment and directing the Secretary of the Senate to transmit the resolution to the Secretary of State and the Governor.
Impact
SR 92 affects the operation of Montana’s judicial appointment process by formally confirming a district court judge for the 20th Judicial District under sections 5-5-302, 5-5-303, and 3-1-906, MCA. It does not alter the duties of courts or litigants generally, but it does determine who will occupy the district judge position and thereby affects the administration of justice in that district.
Sentiment
The available voting history shows unanimous support, with the Judiciary Committee adopting the resolution 8-0 and the full Senate adopting it 49-0. That voting pattern indicates broad bipartisan or noncontroversial support for the appointment, and there is no committee transcript suggesting opposition or debate.
Contention
There is no recorded substantive contention in the provided materials. Because the resolution is a confirmation of a judicial nominee rather than a policy bill, any discussion would typically focus on the nominee’s qualifications, temperament, and fitness for the bench, but no objections or divided views are reflected in the available record.