This bill aims to revise the education standards for peace officers in Montana by allowing qualified law enforcement academies to provide the required peace officer basic course. 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 training provided meets the necessary standards.

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 academy affiliated with a Montana college or university. Additionally, it outlines the conditions under which peace officers can be exempt from certain training requirements based on their previous experience and certifications. The bill 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(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