News
Leadership In Action Releases New Ad Supporting Cory Swanson
Montana to Receive Over $900,000 in Settlement from Unclaimed Property Dispute with Delaware
Attorney General Austin Knudsen announced today that Montana will receive $901,528 as part of a multi-state settlement, concluding the outstanding damages phase of a dispute over unclaimed property with Delaware.
The conflict arose when states discovered that Delaware had been misapplying federal law by advising MoneyGram Payment Systems, Inc. to allocate unclaimed official checks to Delaware, rather than returning them to the states where they were originally purchased. In a landmark decision earlier this year, the U.S. Supreme Court unanimously ruled in favor of Montana and 29 other coalition states, affirming that unclaimed checks issued by MoneyGram are governed by the Federal Disposition Act. This law mandates that unclaimed property should be returned to the state of purchase.
Montana’s share is part of a larger $190 million multi-state settlement, which will be deposited directly into the state’s general fund.
Attorney General Knudsen Launches Naloxone Kit Program in Montana Schools to Combat Fentanyl Crisis
Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen unveiled a new initiative today aimed at addressing the state’s growing fentanyl crisis. The program will provide life-saving naloxone kits to middle and high schools across Montana, equipping schools with essential tools to handle opioid overdoses.
The naloxone kits, which include the overdose-reversal medication naloxone, a CPR respirator mask, a face shield, and detailed administration instructions, are part of Knudsen’s broader effort to combat the widespread impact of fentanyl in the state.
Leadership In Action release new ad hitting Tester
Knudsen Launches New Human Trafficking Awareness Course for Students
Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen announced today the launch of a new educational course designed to raise awareness about human trafficking and online exploitation among students. The course, titled “Enlightened,” was developed by the Montana Department of Justice in collaboration with anti-human trafficking organizations and features insights from human trafficking survivors and Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) agents.
The “Enlightened” course includes a video and an in-class discussion sheet intended to help teachers and parents initiate conversations about human trafficking and internet crimes against children. The curriculum aims to provide students with the knowledge to recognize and report suspicious activities that could indicate trafficking.
“The safety of our young people is paramount,” said Attorney General Knudsen. “This course is a crucial step in ensuring that Montana’s youth are equipped to identify and respond to human trafficking. I am grateful to organizations like Unchained for their partnership in developing this educational resource. I urge all parents, teachers, and school administrators to use this material to help protect our children and combat human trafficking.”
Poll: Knudsen with big lead over Alke in Attorney General race
A recent poll conducted statewide has unveiled significant support for Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen in his bid for reelection against Democratic challenger Ben Alke. According to the survey results, Knudsen commands a strong lead over his opponent, Ben Alke, ahead of the upcoming election.
The poll, conducted by Public Opinion Strategies, indicates that Attorney General Austin Knudsen holds a commanding 50% of voter support, while his Democratic challenger, Ben Alke, trails with 36%. The remaining 14% of respondents either remain undecided or support other candidates not specified in the poll.
Knudsen on Supreme Court Blocking Biden-Harris Administration’s Title IX Rule
The United States Supreme Court ruled today to block the Biden-Harris administration’s Title IX rule, a decision that halts the enforcement of regulations perceived as threatening the rights and safety of girls and young women.
In response to the ruling, Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen issued a statement reaffirming his commitment to protecting women’s rights and opposing federal overreach.
“Boys should not be allowed in the girls’ locker room,” Knudsen said. “I’m glad the Supreme Court agreed with us today. I will continue to fight to protect young women and uphold Montana’s law against federal overreach.”
Montana Shooting Sports Group Endorses Knudsen
In anticipation of the upcoming November General Election, the Montana Shooting Sports Association (MSSA) has unveiled its highly anticipated 2024 candidate grades and endorsements, aimed at guiding pro-gun voters in their choices at the polls.
MSSA has given Attorney General Austin Knudsen an A rating and the group endorsed him for the 2024 Election.
Each candidate’s grade, issued by MSSA, reflects their stance and commitment to upholding the Right to Keep and Bear Arms (RKBA). The ratings are meticulously derived from a comprehensive analysis that includes tracking legislative votes and evaluating candidate responses to MSSA’s questionnaires. Incumbents’ grades are informed by their historical voting records, while new candidates were assessed based on their responses to MSSA’s questionnaire. Candidates without a voting record or questionnaire response were marked with a “?” indicating uncertainty regarding their stance on RKBA
Sheehy links Tester to Biden in RNC speech
On Tuesday evening, Tim Sheehy, a candidate for the U.S. Senate from Montana, took the stage at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee to deliver a speech urging the need to “save America.” Sheehy was among several GOP Senate hopefuls who addressed the convention, each aiming to bolster their campaigns and rally support.
Sheehy’s candidacy is particularly significant for the Republican Party this year, as Montana’s Senate seat is a key target in their quest to regain control of the Senate. The GOP sees flipping this seat as crucial to their broader strategy.
During his speech, Sheehy drew upon his background, emphasizing his military service and business experience. He highlighted his time as a Navy officer in Afghanistan and his role in leading Bridger Aerospace, a company specializing in aerial firefighting and other services. These credentials, he suggested, positioned him as a candidate who understands both leadership and the needs of Montanans.
Supreme Court Candidate Lynch Receives F Rating from Pro-gun Group
In anticipation of the upcoming November General Election, the Montana Shooting Sports Association (MSSA) has unveiled its highly anticipated 2024 candidate grades and endorsements, aimed at guiding pro-gun voters in their choices at the polls.
MSSA has given Chief Justice candidate Jeremiah Lynch an F rating. The group endorsed Lynch’s opponent, Broadwater County Attorney Cory Swanson.
Each candidate’s grade, issued by MSSA, reflects their stance and commitment to upholding the Right to Keep and Bear Arms (RKBA). The ratings are meticulously derived from a comprehensive analysis that includes tracking legislative votes and evaluating candidate responses to MSSA’s questionnaires. Incumbents’ grades are informed by their historical voting records, while new candidates were assessed based on their responses to MSSA’s questionnaire. Candidates without a voting record or questionnaire response were marked with a “?” indicating uncertainty regarding their stance on RKBA.
GOP CHAIRMAN CALLS ON JUDGE MENAHAN TO RECUSE HIMSELF
In a strongly-worded statement, Montana Republican Party Chairman Don “K” Kaltschmidt called on Judge Mike Menahan to recuse himself from the CI-128 case. Kaltschmidt accused the judge of bias, alleging that Menahan has consistently favored pro-abortion activists throughout his career.
“Judge Menahan has sold out to pro-abortion activists his entire career,” Kaltschmidt declared. He pointed to the judge’s high approval ratings from Planned Parenthood Advocates of Montana and NARAL Pro-Choice Montana as evidence of this bias.
Menahan served a Democrat in the Montana House of Reprsentatives from 2009 to 2013.
