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MontanaHB 58969th Legislature, Regular Session (2025)HouseWALLET

Generally revise peace officer education standards

Sponsored By: Jane Gillette (Republican)

Became Law

Law EnforcementSchools and EducationRule Making

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

4 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 3 costs, 1 mixed.

Who qualifies as a peace officer

The law defines which jobs are peace officers: deputy sheriffs, undersheriffs, police, highway patrol, fish and game wardens, park rangers, campus security, and airport police. To be appointed, you must be a U.S. citizen and at least 18. You must be fingerprinted and pass local, state, and national checks; have no crime punishable by prison; show good moral character; have a high school diploma or equivalent; pass an oral exam; be free of disqualifying mental or physical conditions; and have or qualify for a Montana driver’s license. You must be certified or eligible for certification. At appointment, you must take the Montana constitutional oath; no other oath is required. Agencies cannot appoint anyone who does not meet these standards or any added standards set by the council.

Officer training deadlines and certification

Most peace officers must finish the council‑approved basic course at the Montana Law Enforcement Academy or an approved Montana college within one year of appointment. If your break in service is under 3 years after already finishing the basic course, you usually do not need to retake it. If you worked outside Montana or had a break over 3 and under 5 years, you must complete a council‑approved equivalency course within one year; if you fail it, you must take the full basic course at the next chance. If your break in service is over 5 years, you must finish the full basic course within one year. The council can grant a written extension of up to 180 days if your agency applies and shows reasons like illness or lack of course access. Your agency must ensure training. An officer appointed after September 30, 1983 who fails to meet minimums or finish training forfeits the job and arrest powers. After you meet all standards and complete a one‑year probation, the council issues a basic certificate.

Criminal penalties for uncertified officers

It is illegal to act as a peace officer if your basic certification is revoked or denied for misconduct. You also cannot act, be appointed, or be employed as an officer during a suspension. A conviction can bring up to 6 months in county jail, a fine up to $500, or both.

Employers must report officer changes

Employing authorities must give the council written notice within 10 days when an officer is appointed, terminated, resigns, or dies. This keeps state records current and adds a small reporting duty for agencies.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Jane Gillette

    Republican • House

Cosponsors

  • Theresa Manzella

    Republican • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 294 • No: 1

House vote • 4/14/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 48 • No: 0

House vote • 4/12/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 50 • No: 0

House vote • 3/7/2025

Do Pass

Yes: 99 • No: 0

House vote • 3/5/2025

Do Pass

Yes: 97 • No: 1

Actions Timeline

  1. Chapter Number Assigned

    5/13/2025House

  2. Signed by Governor

    5/8/2025House

  3. Transmitted to Governor

    5/1/2025House

  4. Signed by President

    5/1/2025Senate

  5. Signed by Speaker

    4/29/2025House

  6. Returned from Enrolling

    4/15/2025House

  7. Sent to Enrolling

    4/14/2025House

  8. 3rd Reading Concurred

    4/14/2025Senate

  9. 2nd Reading Concurred

    4/12/2025Senate

  10. Committee Report--Bill Concurred

    3/28/2025Senate

  11. Committee Executive Action--Bill Concurred

    3/28/2025Senate

  12. Hearing

    3/24/2025Senate

  13. Referred to Committee

    3/14/2025Senate

  14. First Reading

    3/14/2025Senate

  15. Transmitted to Senate

    3/7/2025House

  16. 3rd Reading Passed

    3/7/2025House

  17. 2nd Reading Passed

    3/5/2025House

  18. Committee Report--Bill Passed

    2/27/2025House

  19. Committee Executive Action--Bill Passed

    2/27/2025House

  20. Hearing

    2/24/2025House

  21. First Reading

    2/20/2025House

  22. Referred to Committee

    2/20/2025House

  23. Introduced

    2/19/2025House

Bill Text

  • Enrolled

    4/14/2025

    PDF

  • Introduced

    2/19/2025

    PDF

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