This bill proposes the establishment of a victim services grant program administered by the board of crime control in Montana. The program aims to provide adequate resources to assist victims of crime through funding for local governments, tribal governments, and nonprofit organizations. Eligible services include information and referral, personal advocacy, emotional support, shelter, and assistance with the criminal and civil justice systems. The board will identify funding priorities, monitor expenditures, evaluate service effectiveness, and report to the law and justice interim committee every two years.

Additionally, the bill appropriates $8 million from the general fund for the biennium starting July 1, 2023, to support this grant program, with the intention that this funding will be part of the base budget for the 2027 biennium. The bill also includes provisions for the board to accept additional funding from public or private sources and allows for up to 5% of the appropriated funds to be used for administrative costs. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2023.