Senator Jason Ellsworth of Montana Senate District 43 was punished by the Senate body today for his well-known alleged transgressions spanning multiple years. The motion, carried by Senator Tom McGillvray of Billings, passed by a 44-6 vote after a substitute motion from Senator Mandeville to expel Ellsworth failed to achieve the 34 votes needed. Ellsworth’s punishments include the following.

• He is removed from Senate Standing Committees and will not be assigned to legislative interim committees.

• He will be allowed to vote remotely on second and third readings, as well as on any motions, during the 2025 session, the interim session, or any special session. (He will likely remain in his home in Eastern Montana when doing so.)

• He is not allowed to have verbal contact with executive branch directors or legislative staff unless he is first contacted by them.

• He is allowed to have letter or email contact with legislative directors or staff.

• He will not be permitted access to legislator or legislative services or the fiscal or audit division’s office space.

• His floor privileges are rescinded for life.