Montana lawmakers continue their investigation into allegations of bias among members of the judicial branch. After a series of rapid developments, there’s a break in the action and it’s not clear what comes next. MTPR’s Shaylee Ragar shares her reporting with Freddy Monares.

Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen issued an opinion May 27 claiming public schools are prohibited by state and federal law from teaching certain aspects of critical race theory , which says systemic racism is ingrained in American life and law. Some say the opinion is largely symbolic, as other leaders in Republican-controlled states condemn critical race theory.

HELENA, Mont. (AP) — Most of the statewide elected officials in Montana are expecting a salary increase soon under a state law that requires comparative pay raises every other year.

Montana lawmakers will continue allowing remote participation in legislative committee meetings between legislative sessions. During the 2021 legislative session, Montanans were able to give testimony on policy proposals by calling or video-chatting into meetings for the first time ever, in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In separate actions, Montana’s public higher education officials and the state’s largest union for public employees are suing the state over laws that change rules and regulations for college campuses.

HELENA, Mont. (AP) — The state is advertising for a business attractions manager, a job that will pay $125,000 a year to travel the country promoting Montana as good place to start or expand a business, in part by touting new tax incentives that were passed by the 2021 Legislature. The Department of Commerce also has $500,000 to support the effort, the Montana State News Bureau reports.

Montana lawmakers voted Thursday to give 14,000 women, children and infants receiving public food assistance a boost in benefits this summer. The money is meant to help them buy fresh fruits and vegetables.

Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte has signed off on the $12 billion state budget passed by lawmakers to guide spending over the next two years.

Montana higher education officials are legally challenging the constitutionality of a new law allowing concealed carry of firearms on college campuses.

Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte has signed into law the policy outlining how recreational marijuana will be regulated and taxed in the state.