The Montana House Appropriations Committee convened on March 28, 2025, to discuss significant budgetary issues, including a controversial bill aimed at reducing the state Supreme Court's budget. The proposed legislation, introduced by Representative Schubert, seeks to cut the Supreme Court's funding by 36%, reducing its budget to $18 million for the biennium. Schubert argued that this measure is necessary to address what he perceives as judicial overreach, citing recent rulings by the Montana State Supreme Court that struck down election integrity laws passed by the legislature.

During the meeting, Schubert expressed concerns about the judiciary's authority, claiming that the Supreme Court has overstepped its bounds by overriding legislative decisions and attempting to compel the legislature to fund legal expenses. He emphasized the legislature's constitutional power of the purse and framed the budget cut as a means to restore balance among government branches.

Opponents of the bill, including court officials and representatives from the Montana State Bar, voiced strong objections. They argued that such a drastic budget cut would cripple the judiciary's ability to function effectively, impacting essential services such as court administration, technology, and legal support. They cautioned that retaliatory measures against judges based on their rulings undermine the integrity of the judicial system and could have far-reaching consequences.

The committee members engaged in a robust discussion, with some expressing sympathy for Schubert's concerns while advocating for a more measured approach to budget adjustments. They highlighted the importance of maintaining judicial operations and suggested that cuts should be made thoughtfully rather than through sweeping reductions.

As the hearing concluded, Schubert reiterated the necessity of the bill, urging committee members to support it as a means of addressing what he views as a critical issue of judicial overreach. The committee's decision on the bill remains pending, with further discussions expected in upcoming sessions.