O'Neill v. Gianforte

Through the Right to Know, the Montana Constitution guarantees that Montanans may access documents that public bodies use and produce in their decision-making processes.  Montana citizen Jayson O'Neill submitted a public information request in May 2021, asking the Governor's Office for copies of "Agency Bill Monitoring Forms"—an invention of the Gianforte Administration, the precise content of which remains a mystery.  The Governor refused to produce any information in response to the request, claiming that the forms were subject to privileges never before recognized under state law.  O'Neill challenges this claim and has filed suit to protect Montanans' right to transparency and public participation in government. 

Filings      /      Press

Complaint (Sept. 21, 2021)

Answer (Nov. 23, 2021)

Seaborn Larson, Governor sued for denying records request, Helena Independent Record (Sept. 21, 2021)

Appellant's Opening Brief (Jan. 12, 2024)

Appellee's Response (Mar. 12, 2024)

Appellant's Reply (Apr. 25, 2024)