House Bill No. introduced by C. Sprunger and others aims to establish regulations for local law enforcement services in cities and towns across Montana. The bill amends Section 7-32-4101 of the Montana Code Annotated (MCA) to include provisions for local law enforcement service fees, dispute resolution, and definitions related to these services. It mandates that every city and town must have a police department, but allows third-class cities or towns to enter into contracts with local law enforcement agencies to fulfill this requirement. If a city or town does not maintain a police department, the county sheriff is required to provide law enforcement services, and the city or town must pay for these services.

Additionally, the bill introduces a process for resolving disputes regarding the cost of law enforcement services. If an agreement cannot be reached between the city or town and the county sheriff regarding payment, the local government center at Montana State University will mediate discussions. If no agreement is reached within 30 days, the matter will go to binding arbitration, with the arbitrator chosen by both parties. The bill also states that all costs incurred during this mediation process will be shared equally between the county and the city or town. Furthermore, the bill supersedes existing unfunded mandate laws, ensuring that the new provisions take precedence.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 7-32-4101
HB0333_1(1): 7-32-4101
HB0333_1(2): 7-32-4101
HB0333_1(3): 7-32-4101
HB0333_1(4): 7-32-4101
HB0333_1(5): 7-32-4101
HB0333_1(6): 7-32-4101
HB0333_1: 7-32-4101
HB0333_2(1): 7-32-4101
HB0333_2(10): 7-32-4101
HB0333_2(11): 7-32-4101
HB0333_2(2): 7-32-4101
HB0333_2(3): 7-32-4101
HB0333_2(4): 7-32-4101
HB0333_2(5): 7-32-4101
HB0333_2(6): 7-32-4101
HB0333_2(7): 7-32-4101
HB0333_2(8): 7-32-4101
HB0333_2(9): 7-32-4101
HB0333_2: 7-32-4101