The bill revises existing laws related to court officers by allowing police chiefs to appoint special service officers as court officers. It amends Section 3-6-303 of the Montana Code Annotated (MCA) to specify that the chief of police, with judicial approval, can appoint full-time or part-time special service officers who are authorized to carry firearms and act under the supervision of the city police. The definition of "special services officer" is also updated to include full-time, paid officers, expanding the scope of who can serve in this capacity.

Additionally, the bill clarifies the definitions of "reserve officers" and "special service officers" in Section 7-32-201, ensuring that both terms have the same meanings as provided in the revised Section 3-6-303. The changes aim to enhance the flexibility and effectiveness of court operations by allowing a broader range of qualified personnel to serve as court officers, thereby improving the overall functioning of the judicial system in Montana.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 3-6-303, 7-32-201