The bill amends Section 7-32-4101 of the Montana Code Annotated to establish regulations for local law enforcement services in cities and towns. 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 and lacks an agreement, the county sheriff is required to provide law enforcement services, for which the city or town must pay. The bill also introduces a dispute resolution process for determining the cost of these services, involving mediation and potentially binding arbitration if an agreement cannot be reached.

Additionally, the bill supersedes existing unfunded mandate laws, ensuring that the new provisions take precedence. It defines the term "sheriff" to include both elected and appointed sheriffs or their designees. The costs incurred during the dispute resolution process will be shared equally between the county and the city or town involved. Overall, the bill aims to clarify the responsibilities and financial obligations related to local law enforcement services while providing mechanisms for resolving disputes.

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
HB0333_X(1): 7-32-4101
HB0333_X(2): 7-32-4101
HB0333_X: 7-32-4101