The bill aims to revise the education standards for peace officers in Montana by allowing qualified law enforcement academies to provide the basic course education requirement. It amends existing sections of the Montana Code Annotated (MCA) to clarify the role of the Montana public safety officer standards and training council, which is responsible for establishing and enforcing these standards. Notably, the council is granted rulemaking authority to implement provisions related to peace officer education and certification, as indicated by the insertions in sections 2-15-2029 and 7-32-303.

Key changes include the definition of a "peace officer" and the qualifications required for appointment, which now explicitly state that a peace officer must complete the basic course either at the Montana law enforcement academy or at an accredited Montana college or university. The bill also outlines the conditions under which previously certified officers can return to service without retaking the basic course, as well as the penalties for those whose certifications have been revoked or suspended. The effective date of the bill is immediate upon passage and approval.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 2-15-2029, 7-32-303