This bill proposes a comprehensive restructuring of the Montana Public Safety Officer Standards and Training Council by transferring its jurisdiction from the Department of Justice to the Department of Labor and Industry. It establishes a new board consisting of 13 members from various law enforcement and public safety sectors, tasked with setting certification and training fees, which will be funded by the state for state employees and the state general fund for local government employees. The bill also standardizes the council's duties and processes, aligning them with other professional boards, and exempts the council from certain processes outlined in Title 37 of the Montana Code Annotated (MCA). Additionally, it creates a special revenue fund to support the council's activities and allows for the acceptance of grants and donations.

Furthermore, the bill amends several sections of the MCA to clarify reporting requirements to the legislature, specifying that reports should generally be biennial and outlining a comprehensive list of required reports from various state entities. It deletes certain reporting requirements, including those from the Department of Justice and the Public Safety Officer Standards and Training Council, while emphasizing the importance of timely reporting. The bill also introduces new provisions regarding the qualifications and training requirements for peace officers, coroners, and public safety communications officers, streamlining the legal framework and removing outdated references. Overall, the bill aims to enhance transparency, accountability, and the effectiveness of public safety officer training and certification in Montana.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 5-11-222, 7-4-2904, 7-4-2905, 7-31-201, 7-31-202, 7-31-203, 7-32-201, 7-32-213, 7-32-303, 7-32-4112, 19-7-101, 20-7-1335, 27-16-801, 41-5-1808, 44-2-117, 44-4-902, 44-10-204, 44-14-101, 46-6-507, 46-18-111, 46-23-1003, 61-3-224