In Helena, the House has, again, rejected the notion of Citizen-Initiated Grand Juries. House Bill 460, carried by Rep. Tom Millett (Pictured, above), a Republican from Marion, would have allowed citizens to petition the County Attorney to call a Grand Jury to determine if criminal charges could be brought forward. The Montana Constitution allows only District Judges to empanel a Grand Jury.
Millett’s measure would have put the question in front of voters by way of a referendum. The concept of the Citizen-Initiative Grand Jury arises from a concern that a government official could be complicit in what they think is something illegal, in which normal legal channels aren’t used. One self-organized Citizen Grand Jury accused former President George W. Bush of being complicit in the 9/11 attacks. Another wants to indict former President Barrack Obama for not producing his birth certificate.
Linda Kenyon – White House
March 28, 2025
