Senate Bill No. [insert bill number] aims to revise the payment structure for medical evidence collection related to alleged sexual offenses. The bill eliminates the responsibility of law enforcement agencies to pay for sexual assault medical forensic examinations, transferring that financial obligation to the Department of Justice, which will cover these costs as long as funds are available. A new Sexual Assault Medical Forensic Examination Fund is established within the state special revenue fund, which will be used to purchase and distribute sexual assault evidence kits at no cost to medical facilities, reimburse medical providers for examinations, and maintain a secure electronic system for reimbursement requests. The bill also includes an appropriation of $800,000 for each year of the biennium beginning July 1, 2025, from this fund to support these initiatives.

Additionally, the bill revises the transfer of excess funds from the Marijuana State Special Revenue Fund, ensuring that a portion of these funds is allocated to the newly established Sexual Assault Medical Forensic Examination Fund. It amends several sections of the Montana Code Annotated (MCA) to reflect these changes, including the removal of previous provisions that required local law enforcement to cover examination costs. The bill also mandates notification to tribal governments regarding its provisions and includes codification instructions to integrate the new fund into existing law. The effective date for most provisions is set for July 1, 2025, while certain sections will take effect upon passage and approval.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 16-12-111, 44-7-303, 46-15-411, 46-15-412
SB0491_1(1): 16-12-111, 44-7-303, 46-15-411, 46-15-412
SB0491_1(2): 16-12-111, 44-7-303, 46-15-411, 46-15-412
SB0491_1(3): 16-12-111, 44-7-303, 46-15-411, 46-15-412
SB0491_1(4): 16-12-111, 44-7-303, 46-15-411, 46-15-412
SB0491_1(5): 16-12-111, 44-7-303, 46-15-411, 46-15-412
SB0491_1(6): 16-12-111, 44-7-303, 46-15-411, 46-15-412
SB0491_1(7): 16-12-111, 44-7-303, 46-15-411, 46-15-412
SB0491_1(8): 16-12-111, 44-7-303, 46-15-411, 46-15-412
SB0491_1(9): 16-12-111, 44-7-303, 46-15-411, 46-15-412
SB0491_1: 16-12-111, 44-7-303, 46-15-411, 46-15-412
SB0491_2: 16-12-111, 44-7-303, 46-15-411, 46-15-412