Montana’s “sunshine laws” are described as among the most stringent in the nation. These laws are outlined in Article II Sections 8 (Right of Participation) and Section 9 (Right to Know) of the Montana’s constitution. The Open Meetings training addresses these sections of the constitution as embodied in the Montana Code, and what they mean for meetings conducted by local governing bodies. 

In the Meeting Notice training participants will learn the statutory requirements, as defined by the Montana Code Annotated, which all local governments must follow regarding proper public notification for all open meetings. 

The Closed Meetings training explains the circumstances under which a closed meeting may be held, the requirements that must be met to hold such as meeting, and the statutory reference on which this information is based.

In the Public Records training participants will understand requirements for the maintenance, disposal, public requests of records housed within local governments.

In the Ethics/Nepotism training participants will learn the ethical and anti-nepotism practices required of every government employee.  

Participants will use case studies to explore plausible ethical dilemmas they may face or witness while serving in their positions. 

Description coming soon. If you have questions please call 406.994.6694.

Description coming soon. If you have questions please call 406.994.6694.

In the Parliamentary Procedure training participants will learn Robert’s Rules of Order and principles for effective meeting management. 

Description coming soon. If you have questions please call 406.994.6694.

Montana law guarantees the rights of Montana citizens to be heard and participate in public meetings. This training helps clarify the Code, offers guidance for applying the law, and provides best practices to ensure all citizens who participate in public meetings are treated fairly and equally.

Description coming soon. If you have questions please call 406.994.6694.

Description coming soon. If you have questions please call 406.994.6694.

In the Roles & Responsibilities training participants will better understand roles and responsibilities of each branch of local government and how elected officials can most effectively govern. 

Description coming soon. If you have questions please call 406.994.6694.

*If the number of participants exceeds 25 people there will be a $1/person fee for packets.

In the Board Training, new and continuing members of boards will review basic governing information, such as: ethics and nepotism, meeting minutes, open meetings, parliamentary procedure, principles of good governance, the public’s right to know and participate, rules of procedure, and more. 

*If the number of participants exceeds 25 people there will be a $1/person fee for packets.

Description coming soon. If you have questions please call 406.994.6694.

Description coming soon. If you have questions please call 406.994.6694.

The Voter Review training is customizable, depending on the audience’s needs, but can cover a variety of topics including: The history of Montana’s Voter Review, the MCA statutes on which the voter review is based and from which processes are followed, alternative forms of government available to Montana municipalities and counties, and practical guidance to complete the Voter Review process.