Judge OKs Final 3 Amicus Briefs in Support of Mont. Statewide TikTok Ban

U.S. District Judge Donald Molloy for Montana in Missoula granted the Digital Progress Institute's, Virginia's and the Institute for Family Studies' unopposed motions for leave pending since Aug. 30, all in opposition to the consolidated motions for a preliminary injunction to block Montana from enforcing SB-419, the state’s TikTok ban, when the measure takes effect Jan. 1, said the judge's signed order Tuesday (dockets 9:23-cv-00056 and 9:23-cv-00061). The actual briefs are due Sept. 26, said the order. Molloy previously ruled, “absent exceptional circumstances,” that he will consider no additional motions for leave to file amicus briefs in support of or in opposition to the injunction, not counting those motions in opposition that were already pending (see 2309060015). “This being a case with substantial public interest, amicus briefing may be helpful to provide unique information and perspective beyond that provided by the parties,” said Molloy’s Tuesday order. Each of three granted motions “seeks leave to file briefing that is both timely and useful,” it said.