MontanaHB 33369th Legislature, Regular Session (2025)House

Generally revise local law enforcement laws

Sponsored By: Courtenay Sprunger (Republican)

Signed by Governor

Law EnforcementCities and TownsCountiesRule Making

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

Cities must have police or contracts

The law requires every city and town in Montana to provide police coverage. A third-class city or town can meet this by signing a contract or interlocal agreement with a state‑recognized local law enforcement agency in the same county. This ensures each community has a set plan for law enforcement.

Sheriff coverage and pricing dispute process

When a city or town has no police department and no contract, the county sheriff must provide law enforcement there. The city or town must pay for those sheriff services. If the city or town and the county cannot agree on a price, and 30 days pass without law enforcement, they must ask the Local Government Center at Montana State University to moderate a meeting. If no price deal is reached within 30 days after that meeting, they must use binding arbitration and choose the arbitrator together. Any arbitration result can last no more than two years. The city or town and the county split the Center’s costs equally.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Courtenay Sprunger
Republican • House

Cosponsors

Ellie Boldman
Democrat • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 287 • No: 10

Senate vote • 4/9/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 44 • No: 5

Senate vote • 4/8/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 45 • No: 5

House vote • 2/18/2025

Do Pass

Yes: 99 • No: 0

House vote • 2/14/2025