MontanaHB 7569th Legislature, Regular Session (2025)House

Revise public safety officer certification standards

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

Stricter training deadlines for officers

Appointing authorities must apply the Public Safety Officer Standards and Training Council’s employment and training standards. Officers must finish the minimum training within one year of hire. If not, the appointing authority must end the officer’s employment. The law applies the state’s discipline and training rules to each officer’s field. Within one year of the most recent appointment, some officers must complete the basic course when no equivalency course exists, they previously took the basic course, and their break in service was over 3 but under 5 years. Reserve officers are not covered.

Extra time for officer training deadlines

An appointing authority can ask the council for up to 180 extra days to finish training. The request must explain why. The council may allow extra time for illness, no reasonable access to courses, staffing shortages, or other valid reasons. If ordered to state or federal military duty within one year of hire, the one-year training clock pauses. The agency must notify the council within 10 days after departure and within 10 days after return. After return, the one-year clock resumes.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Steve Gist
Republican • House

Cosponsors

Barry Usher
Republican • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 297 • No: 0

Senate vote • 2/25/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 49 • No: 0

Senate vote • 2/24/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 50 • No: 0

House vote • 1/21/2025

Do Pass

Yes: 99 • No: 0

House vote • 1/20/2025