Lee Enterprises last week sued the Montana Public Service Commission alleging the agency set excessive costs and hurdles for public records requests that violated the state's open records laws.

Andrew Breuner has served as the Belgrade City Court judge since 2015.

"The liberty interests of the unvaccinated requires nothing less," the federal judge wrote. 

The report also identified Public Service Commissioner Jennifer Fielder as the third official involved.

The state revenue department said Tuesday it was willing to change the rules that would ban CBD in marijuana dispensaries and bar workers convicted of any crime from working in the industry.

Gianforte has until Dec. 13 to select the new judges, who will start their roles in January next year.

A spokesperson for the Attorney General's Office said "at least some" of the records fall under the statutory definition of confidential criminal justice information. 

“Creating treatment opportunities in rural Montana is critical to diverting folks from the criminal justice system,” Department of Corrections Director Brian Gootkin said.

A recent survey found 41% of Montana high school students — the highest rate ever documented — self-reported symptoms of depression over the last year.

The lawsuit was initially filed by the Montana Medical Association, doctors, clinics and patients in September.