Senator Sue Vinton's declaration regarding the personal relationship between Senator Jason Ellsworth and Bryce Eggleston took center stage during a Montana Senate Ethics Committee meeting on March 15, 2025. The declaration, which Vinton insisted be included in the record, highlighted several Facebook posts that suggest a close connection between the two men, raising questions about potential conflicts of interest.

Vinton's declaration included evidence such as social media interactions and personal anecdotes, including references to Eggleston's child calling Ellsworth "Uncle Jason" and their history as workout partners. The committee debated the relevance of this information, with some members arguing that it was duplicative and could infringe on Eggleston's privacy rights. Despite objections, the committee allowed the declaration to be presented, emphasizing the need to balance transparency with individual privacy.

The discussions also touched on the procedural aspects of the investigation, with committee members expressing the importance of due process and the need for legal clarity on what constitutes personal versus private interests. The committee plans to reconvene to finalize findings of fact, indicating that the implications of this declaration could extend beyond personal relationships to broader ethical considerations within the Senate.

As the investigation unfolds, the focus remains on ensuring that all parties have the opportunity to respond to the findings, with potential legal briefings anticipated to guide the committee's decision-making process. The outcome of this inquiry could have significant ramifications for the involved senators and the integrity of the legislative body as a whole.