State Sen. Jonathan Windy Boy, D-Box Elder, was removed from his interim committee and commission assignments Monday, a rare bipartisan move that came at the request of Senate President Matt Regier and was carried out by legislative leaders from both parties.

Windy Boy lost seats on two interim committees and one commission. Interim committees are the engine of Montana's between-session policymaking — they meet during the 18 months between the Legislature's biannual gatherings to examine issues, hear public testimony, and draft legislation that surfaces in the next session. Losing those assignments effectively sidelines a senator from that process.

The removal was notable for drawing support from both sides of the aisle, suggesting the action had enough backing to clear what can be politically awkward territory. The specific reasons cited by Regier for the request were not immediately detailed in public statements.

For constituents in Windy Boy's district — which includes the Rocky Boy's Reservation — the practical effect is that their senator will have less direct influence over interim policy discussions until the 2027 session. Whether Windy Boy can seek reassignment or appeal the decision through Senate rules remains an open question as the interim period gets underway.