August 14, 2026: Youth Ask Montana Supreme Court to Dismiss Venue Appeal

Youth plaintiffs filed a motion asking the Montana Supreme Court to dismiss Defendants’ interlocutory appeal challenging the district court’s decision to keep Held II in Broadwater County. The youth argue the Supreme Court lacks jurisdiction to hear the appeal because Broadwater County is undisputedly a proper venue and Montana law does not permit an interlocutory appeal under these circumstances. Defendants have 11 days to respond, after which the Supreme Court will decide whether to hear the venue appeal or send the case back to the district court to proceed.