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 generally refer to a biennial report due by September 1 of each year preceding a regular legislative session. It includes a comprehensive list of required reports from various state entities, enhancing transparency and accountability in state governance. The bill also updates qualifications and training requirements for public safety personnel, including coroners and peace officers, and introduces new provisions regarding the unlawful actions of individuals whose certifications have been revoked. Overall, the bill aims to improve the efficiency, standards, and accountability of public safety training and operations 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