Bill > SB162

This bill updates the composition and functioning of the Montana Criminal Justice Oversight Council by expanding the types of local court judges who can be appointed to the council. Specifically, the bill modifies the judicial membership to now include not just district court judges, but also judges who preside over city or municipal courts or justices of the peace. The council will continue to consist of 18 members, including state legislators, judges, government officials, and appointed representatives from various sectors like tribal communities, crime victims, civil rights advocates, and community corrections providers. The council's core responsibilities remain unchanged: providing recommendations to the board of crime control, studying criminal justice system issues, monitoring system functioning, and making proactive recommendations to improve criminal justice operations and public safety. The bill also directs the code commissioner to recodify the council's statute within a different section of Montana law and provides an immediate effective date upon passage. An important procedural change allows the council to fill vacancies if an appointing authority fails to do so within 60 days, ensuring continuous representation and operational effectiveness.

Justice

https://bills.legmt.gov/#/laws/bill/2/LC0028