SB39

Generally revise attorney fee awards

Complete·5/8/25

Montana SB39 revises attorney fee awards in civil lawsuits, requiring them to be reasonable and detailing specific requirements for fee requests.

Montana SB39 revises the criteria for awarding attorney fees in civil lawsuits, mandating that all awards must be reasonable. It outlines specific requirements for reasonable fee requests, including detailed descriptions of tasks performed, itemized lists of expenses, and limitations on billing practices. The bill also addresses costs awarded against governmental entities when suits are found to be frivolous or pursued in bad faith. This act applies to lawsuits filed after its effective date.

Included in complete analysis

  • Overview
  • Core Provisions
  • Implementation
  • Impact
  • Legal Framework
  • Critical Issues

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Sponsors

0
1
R
Democratic CaucusRepublican Caucus

Roll Call Votes

31 Yea

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19 Nay

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Calendar

Apr 3, 2025

8:00 AM

House Judiciary Hearing

Mar 27, 2025

8:00 AM

House Judiciary Hearing

History

May 13, 2025

Senate

Chapter Number Assigned

May 8, 2025

Senate

(S) Signed by Governor

May 1, 2025

House

(H) Signed by Speaker