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IN THE SUPREME COURT OF tHt^SATE OF MONTANA
OP 26-0292
FILED AUDREY S. CROMWELL, in her official
capacity as GALLATIN COUNTY ATTORNEY, MAY 0 5 2026 Bowen Greenwood
Clerk of Supreme Court Wtate of MontanePetitioner,
ORDERV.
AUSTIN MILES KNUDSEN, in his official
capacity as MONTANA ATTORNEY GENERAL,
Respondent.
Petitioner Audrey S. Cromwell, in her official capacity as Gallatin County Attorney,
seeks declaratory judgment on original jurisdiction under M. R. App. P. 14(4). Cromwell
asserts she is entitled to declaratory judgment that declares Montana counties may not
lawfully disseminate Confidential Criminal Justice Information (CCJI) to Immigration and
Customs Enforcement (ICE) upon receiving non-criminal civil or administrative requests
without a court order. Cromwell further requests this Court issue an Order terminating the
Attorney General’s exercise of supervisory control over the Gallatin County Attorney’s
Office. Cromwell alleges urgent and emergent circumstances necessitate this Court’s
exercise of original jurisdiction.
Having reviewed the Petition, this Court deems it appropriate to obtain a summary
response. Therefore, in accordance with M. R. App. P. 14(7),
IT IS ORDERED that Respondent Austin Miles Knudsen, in his official capacity as
Montana Attorney General, is granted until the close of business on Thursday, May 14,
2026, to prepare, file, and serve a response(s) to the petition for declaratory judgment on
original jurisdiction.
The Clerk is directed to provide notice of this Order to counsel for all parties.
05/05/2026
Case Number: OP 26-0292