Montana 2023 John R. Justice Formula Grant Program

On behalf of the State of Montana, the Montana Board of Crime Control seeks to continue the John R. Justice (JRJ) student loan repayment program consistent with the intent of the JRJ Prosecutors and Defenders Incentive Act. 

The JRJ Program in Montana assists to effectively address recruitment and retention of qualified public defenders and prosecutors in a large, but sparsely populated state predominately consisting of rural and frontier communities.  Montana uses the “least ability to pay” criteria when considering applicants. Montana last accessed JRJ Program funds in Fiscal Year 2022 and has five current JRJ recipients.

With forthcoming JRJ Program funds, Montana seeks to encourage additional qualified attorneys to select and remain in public service as prosecutors and public defenders by providing loan repayment assistance to these eligible attorneys.

Recipients will submit proof of employment and benefit acknowledgement prior to receipt of any JRJ funds. Montana will examine awards in total when determining whether the intent of the Act has been met.  The Montana JRJ Program will be governed by Montana law and administrative rules, as well as all federal laws and requirements.