“Montana values” is an elusive concept, reflecting the varying ideologies and ambitions of Montana citizens since the state’s creation in 1889. Today’s trendy buzzword overlooks the diversity of backgrounds, opinions and prejudices of the state’s rural and urban populace. Montana values have always depended on who’s doing the talking.

House Bill 405 proposes a substantial amendment to the Montana Constitution in an attempt to create something known as a “citizen’s grand jury.” Apparently, the bill is meant to fulfill the objective of a “Platform Principle” adopted by the Montana Republican Party which states that: “We…support reforming the Grand Jury laws to better root out corruption and support limiting the ability of the Montana Supreme Court to abuse its power to protect themselves.”