Extend legislative immunity to legislative staff

SB 352 would have extended Montana's legislative immunity protections to legislative staff, ensuring they receive the same legal safeguards as legislators themselves. Specifically, it would have protected staff from being compelled to testify or disclose privileged information they handle - such as communications related to bill drafting or committee work - just as legislators are shielded under Montana's speech and debate clause. The bill defined "legislative staff" broadly to include personal staff of legislative leadership and certain contractors hired using state funds. This change aimed to align Montana law with the U.S. Supreme Court's *Gravel* precedent, which treats staff communications as confidential to prevent intimidation of lawmakers. The bill never became law, as it died in process in May 2025.