House Bill No. [insert bill number] aims to revise the payment structure for costs associated with the use of detention centers in Montana. The bill introduces a new definition of "actual costs" and eliminates the requirement for the arresting agency, Department of Corrections, and Department of Public Health and Human Services to pay an additional 10% on top of the actual costs for holding individuals in confinement. Instead, the bill specifies that the Department of Corrections will be responsible for paying the actual costs for defendants after sentencing, and it clarifies the payment obligations for local governments and law enforcement agencies when using detention centers.

Additionally, the bill includes a new appropriation of $6 million from the state special revenue account to the Department of Public Health and Human Services for the biennium beginning July 1, 2025. These funds are designated to reimburse counties for the costs of holding individuals awaiting evaluation or examination, or those committed to the custody of the Department of Public Health and Human Services while awaiting placement in appropriate facilities. The reimbursement rate is set at 150% of the daily per inmate provider rate for a private correctional facility in Montana that meets specific criteria.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 7-32-2242
HB0643_1(1): 7-32-2242
HB0643_1(2): 7-32-2242
HB0643_1(3): 7-32-2242
HB0643_1(4): 7-32-2242
HB0643_1(5): 7-32-2242
HB0643_1(6): 7-32-2242
HB0643_1: 7-32-2242
HB0643_2(1): 7-32-2242
HB0643_2(10): 7-32-2242
HB0643_2(11): 7-32-2242
HB0643_2(12): 7-32-2242
HB0643_2(13): 7-32-2242
HB0643_2(14): 7-32-2242
HB0643_2(15): 7-32-2242
HB0643_2(16): 7-32-2242
HB0643_2(17): 7-32-2242
HB0643_2(18): 7-32-2242
HB0643_2(19): 7-32-2242
HB0643_2(2): 7-32-2242
HB0643_2(20): 7-32-2242
HB0643_2(3): 7-32-2242
HB0643_2(4): 7-32-2242
HB0643_2(5): 7-32-2242
HB0643_2(6): 7-32-2242
HB0643_2(7): 7-32-2242
HB0643_2(8): 7-32-2242
HB0643_2(9): 7-32-2242
HB0643_2: 7-32-2242
HB0643_3(1): 7-32-2242
HB0643_3: 7-32-2242