This bill aims to revise the education standards for peace officers in Montana by allowing qualified law enforcement academies to provide the peace officer basic course education requirement. It amends existing sections of the Montana Code Annotated (MCA), specifically sections 2-15-2029 and 7-32-303, to enhance the rulemaking authority of the Montana public safety officer standards and training council. The council will now have the ability to adopt rules to implement provisions related to peace officer education and certification, ensuring that the standards are up-to-date and relevant.

Key changes include the insertion of definitions and clarifications regarding the council's authority and the requirements for peace officer certification. The bill specifies that peace officers must complete the basic course at either the Montana law enforcement academy or an accredited Montana college or university, with the curriculum needing to be approved by the council. Additionally, the bill outlines the conditions under which peace officers may be exempt from certain training requirements based on their previous experience and certifications. The act is set to take effect immediately upon passage and approval.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 2-15-2029, 7-32-303
HB0589_1(1): 2-15-2029, 7-32-303
HB0589_1(2): 2-15-2029, 7-32-303
HB0589_1(3): 2-15-2029, 7-32-303
HB0589_1(4): 2-15-2029, 7-32-303
HB0589_1(5): 2-15-2029, 7-32-303
HB0589_1(6): 2-15-2029, 7-32-303
HB0589_1: 2-15-2029, 7-32-303
HB0589_X(1): 2-15-2029, 7-32-303
HB0589_X(10): 2-15-2029, 7-32-303
HB0589_X(11): 2-15-2029, 7-32-303
HB0589_X(12): 2-15-2029, 7-32-303
HB0589_X(2): 2-15-2029, 7-32-303
HB0589_X(3): 2-15-2029, 7-32-303
HB0589_X(4): 2-15-2029, 7-32-303
HB0589_X(5): 2-15-2029, 7-32-303
HB0589_X(6): 2-15-2029, 7-32-303
HB0589_X(7): 2-15-2029, 7-32-303
HB0589_X(8): 2-15-2029, 7-32-303
HB0589_X(9): 2-15-2029, 7-32-303
HB0589_X: 2-15-2029, 7-32-303