Montana Senate Faces Backlash Over $170K No-Bid Contract Amid Judicial Reform Controversy

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Written By Blue & Gold NLR Team

 

 

The controversy surrounding the $170,000 no-bid contract signed by Sen. Jason Ellsworth has raised concerns within Montana’s Republican leadership.

The contract, which Ellsworth signed in the final days of his tenure as chair of the interim Committee on Judicial Oversight and Reform, involves Agile Analytics, a consulting firm.

The contract’s purpose is to analyze 27 proposed bills for judicial reform, but some committee members, including Sen. Daniel Emrich, were unaware of the decision and had previously rejected the need for an external consultant. They believed the committee’s own staff could handle the work.

Ellsworth’s past professional relationship with Bryce Eggleston, the owner of Agile Analytics, is also under scrutiny, given their connection to a decade-old Federal Trade Commission case.

Despite this, Ellsworth defended his actions, asserting that the contract was transparent and necessary for the legislative work. However, Senate President Matt Regier and other GOP leaders have raised concerns about the contract’s legitimacy, and an initial review is underway.

Emrich, who was involved in the committee, expressed frustration at the lack of transparency and the unexpected $170,000 cost. Some members of the committee were blindsided by the contract, as it was signed after the committee had agreed to rely on legislative staff for tracking the bills.

While Ellsworth maintains that the contract was a necessary part of the reform efforts, the situation continues to be reviewed, with the possibility of further investigations into the matter.

 

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