Bill > HJ1

This joint resolution urges the United States Congress to address public safety and law enforcement challenges in Montana's Indian reservations by calling for comprehensive federal funding and support. The resolution highlights the historical federal trust responsibility to assist Native American tribes in providing public safety, acknowledging the ongoing issues of drug abuse, high crime rates, and jurisdictional complexities that have long impacted Native communities. Specifically, the resolution requests that the U.S. Department of Justice develop a cooperative plan with the Department of the Interior to administer public safety programs, conduct government-to-government consultations with tribal governments to determine funding needs, and allocate resources for critical services including law enforcement, tribal courts, detention facilities, victim services, juvenile justice, and crime prevention efforts. Additionally, the resolution invites Montana's federally recognized tribal governments to adopt their own supporting resolutions and requests the Governor to write a letter of support, with the Secretary of State tasked with compiling and forwarding these communications to Congress by June 30, 2025, in an effort to draw national attention to the urgent need for comprehensive public safety funding in Indian Country.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://bills.legmt.gov/#/laws/bill/20251/LC0258