Opinion ID: 1224377
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 7

Heading: Changes regarding the special master

Text: ¶ 49 New § 45-255(A) gives the superior court judge the power to appoint special masters, and subsection (B) provides that if filing fees are exhausted, a line item appropriation from the state general fund will support the master. We appointed the current special master, John Thorson, for both adjudications under the previous statute. He has served since 1990, and as far as we are aware, there are neither grounds nor plans for a change in this regard. Obviously, the Legislature cannot direct the change of a judicial officer in a pending case, and we do not interpret the new statute to so require. If an additional or a new master must be appointed in the future, he or she may be appointed pursuant to the new version of § 45-255(A). ¶ 50 Section 45-257(A)(2) requires that the master file a report with the court on all determinations, recommendations, findings of fact, or conclusions of law issued. Written objections may be filed within sixty days (180 days if the report covers an entire subwatershed or reservation). Again, we find this a valid exercise of legislative power over a procedural matter in an action created by statute. We therefore affirm Judge Bolton's ruling upholding § 45-255(A) and (B), and § 45-257(A)(2).