Missoula, MT – The Montana Legislature resumed full operations on Monday after a weeklong transmittal break, with the Senate Ethics Committee continuing its investigation into former Senate President Jason Ellsworth’s handling of a state contract. Ellsworth, who served as Senate president until the end of 2024, is under scrutiny for approving a $170,000 contract with his former business associate, Bryce Eggleston, and his company, Agile Analytics. The contract was intended to analyze the impact of judicial reform bills being prioritized by Republican legislative leaders this session.
The investigation centers on allegations that Ellsworth attempted to circumvent state contract rules by splitting the contract into two smaller parts. According to a report from the Legislative Audit Division, this division of the contract raised concerns about efforts to avoid oversight. Ellsworth has denied any wrongdoing, asserting that the contract was handled appropriately.
During the hearings, which took place on March 7, March 13, and March 14, the Ethics Committee heard testimony from legislative staff and officials from the Montana Department of Administration. Although Eggleston was named as a witness, he invoked his Fifth Amendment right and did not testify. Instead, the committee heard a recorded statement from Eggleston, while Ellsworth himself also chose not to testify. His attorney, Joan Mell, argued that the investigation was politically motivated and retaliatory, questioning the validity of the claims against Ellsworth.
Mell acknowledged Ellsworth’s prior connection to Eggleston but emphasized that his decision to award the contract was consistent with how other state hires are typically handled. She further argued that there was no evidence of a personal conflict of interest or an improper exchange of value, suggesting that the investigation should be seen as a learning opportunity rather than a punitive measure.
Special Counsel Adam Duerk, who is assisting the Ethics Committee, raised concerns about the lack of disclosure regarding Ellsworth’s relationship with Eggleston. In his closing statement, Duerk questioned whether it was plausible to argue that there was no appearance of impropriety in the contract process.
On Monday, the Ethics Committee began reviewing a 17-page draft report prepared by staff, summarizing the findings based on the testimony heard during the hearings. The committee members, which include two Republicans and two Democrats, made significant revisions to the report, requesting that it focus on presenting facts without drawing premature conclusions. The committee is scheduled to meet again on Tuesday to finalize the report before it is submitted to the full Senate.
Under the Montana Constitution, the Senate has the authority to expel or punish a member for good cause, with a two-thirds vote required for such actions. While the Senate’s investigation focuses specifically on the potential conflict of interest in Ellsworth’s actions, the Montana Department of Justice is conducting a separate investigation to determine if there were any criminal violations related to the contract.
The outcome of both investigations could have significant consequences for Ellsworth, as the Senate considers potential disciplinary actions, including expulsion. As the Ethics Committee moves closer to finalizing its report, the public and lawmakers alike await the next steps in this unfolding political controversy.
