Bennett honored for service

Rep. Jerry Bennett was honored by the 64th Montana Legislature as Legislator of the Year for his work during the 2015 legislative session.

Bennett, a four-term Republican from Libby, was recognized during a point of personal privilege taken on the floor of the House of Representatives by Rep. Allen Doane.

“Representative Bennett is one legislator who stands out among many great legislators for his grace, humility and statesman-like conduct which we should all aim to emulate,” Doane said. “No one can challenge Jerry on his integrity, and that’s why both sides of the aisle are coming together to name him our Legislator of the Year.”

Sen. Chas Vincent, also of Libby, praised Bennett for his integrity and commitment.

“There wasn’t a more deserving legislator for this award than Rep. Bennett. Anyone who has had the privilege of serving with him for even one session understands that he is a man of great integrity. An individual that can serve four sessions in our legislature and never cast a retaliatory vote is a person to be admired and commended,” he said.

Bennett served on the House Legislative Administration and Natural Resources committees, was vice chair of the House Rules Committee and chaired the House Judiciary Committee. He also served in House leadership as the Majority Whip.

Bennett was the primary sponsor of two bills during the 64th Legislature. One, HB477, was to clarify the offense for aiding or soliciting suicide. It failed to advance out of committee. His second bill, HB394, sought to revise bicycle safety laws and also died in committee.

He was listed as the “requester” for three additional bills, all of which died before being assigned numbers. The general information listed on the Legislature’s website indicates the bills were to generally revise bicycle safety laws, revise laws related to the Department of Health and Human Services and to reaffirm the sovereignty of Montanans to define marriage. 

Bennett has served in the House of Representatives for four sessions of the biennial legislature. Montana’s term limits make him ineligible to seek re-election to the House, although the rules do not preclude him from running for the state senate or seeking other statewide or even municipal office.

Rep. Virginia Court gave Bennett a framed print of the painting that hangs behind the rostrum on the House floor, “Lewis and Clark Meeting Indians at Ross’ Hole,” by Charles Russell.

Vincent added, “Congratulations on a job well done, Jerry.”