The Montana Legislature convened on March 15, 2025, to address significant ethical concerns surrounding Senator Ellsworth and his dealings with Bryce Eggleston. The meeting focused on the implications of a bifurcated contract and the sworn testimonies of both individuals, which appear to conflict.

The session began with discussions regarding the decision made by Senator Ellsworth to split a contract into two parts. Senator Ellsworth asserted that this decision was necessary to remain under the $100,000 limit that triggers the Department of Administration's procurement process. He expressed that he believed this was the correct course of action, stating, "that's what I thought I had to do." However, he faced scrutiny over the rationale behind this decision, with questions raised about its logical basis.

Senator Ellsworth also expressed concerns about media coverage of the issue, particularly regarding an article that he claimed misrepresented his statements. He indicated that he and Eggleston had requested a meeting with the article's editor to clarify the situation and obtain the full recording of their conversation, which they believe would provide context to their statements. Ellsworth emphasized the importance of accurately representing his position, stating that the article was "highly prejudicial" and inconsistent.

The meeting further delved into the sworn testimony provided by Eggleston, which was found to contradict Ellsworth's claims. Eggleston had stated under oath that there were no financial relationships or partnership agreements between himself and Ellsworth. However, subsequent findings revealed that Eggleston had indeed been associated with a business owned by Ellsworth, raising questions about the accuracy of his testimony.

Key findings from the meeting included evidence of financial transactions between Eggleston's company and Ellsworth's businesses, totaling over $100,000 within a year. Additionally, it was noted that Eggleston had previously served as an authorized agent for a business linked to Ellsworth, contradicting his earlier statements.

As the meeting concluded, the legislators acknowledged the complexity of the situation and the need for further investigation into the ethical implications of the testimonies and business relationships involved. The discussions underscored the ongoing scrutiny of legislative ethics in Montana, with potential ramifications for both Senator Ellsworth and Bryce Eggleston as the situation develops.