Understanding The Legal Dispute On Immigration Records In Montana

As expected, Gallatin County Attorney Audrey Cromwell is asking the state's highest court to step in to the escalating dispute over whether state and federal officials should have clear access to records as they pursue immigration enforcement.

Last week, Attorney General Austin Knudsen said he was going to assume supervisory control over the office, complaining that Cromwell's refusal to release the records is violating state law.

Now, Cromwell is filing a petition with the Montana Supreme Court, seeking to block Knudsen's directive. She'll be asking the justices whether ICE agents can bypass state law to access confidential criminal justice information without a court order.

Cromwell argues that Knudsen’s recent order forces her office to provide "questionable legal advice" that could violate the state’s constitutional right to privacy. In a statement on Friday, Cromwell criticized the Attorney General for issuing "theatrical directives" through the media rather than formal legal opinions.

The high court’s ruling will ultimately decide if Montana’s privacy protections require judicial oversight before local data is handed over to federal immigration authorities.

🕰️ Technically, there's time for the court to consider, since Knudsen's order on Thursday started a 30-day clock.

Is your ballot back?

School districts statewide are bracing for a critical Tuesday deadline. Voters must drop off ballots for hundreds of millions of dollars in school bonds and levies. In Missoula, officials warn that a funding shortfall, driven by inflation and declining enrollment, threatens to gut classroom programs. Leaders say the current property tax structure is broken, leaving local schools in a lurch.

Montana gas prices soar 43 cents in a week

Speaking of costs, Montana drivers are feeling a massive squeeze at the pump. AAA reported Sunday statewide averages for regular gas have surged to $4.32 a gallon, up nearly 40 cents in just a week. While Sidney still boasts the state’s best bargain at $3.64, Missoula and Billings have spiked past $4.30. Diesel has soared even higher, averaging $5.37, putting the state within striking distance of all-time record highs.

⛽️ And the picture got even more grim Monday morning, when Gasbuddy.com released its latest survey, showing a 43.4-cent jump in just a week, pushing that average to $4.34 a gallon.

Flathead park changing, but remaining

Finally, in the Flathead, a 45-year era is ending. County Commissioners voted unanimously to let the lease expire on Bigfork’s Sliter’s Park this July. While management shifts back to the property owners and the Community Foundation for a Better Bigfork, officials assure the public that the popular riverfront landmark will remain open for the summer season.