MontanaSB 16269th Legislature, Regular Session (2025)Senate

Generally revise criminal justice oversight council laws

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

Council steers justice data and policy

The council directs what data go into the statewide criminal justice data warehouse and sets its use and priorities. It studies problems, monitors the system, and recommends fixes and resource use to the legislature. It may formally request bills to change Montana’s criminal justice system. It must report to the governor and legislature and describe its work since the last report. Courts, Corrections, Public Health and Human Services, the parole board, and legislative divisions must provide information and help on request. The council also gives updates to the Law and Justice Interim Committee and the Legislative Finance Committee when asked.

Criminal justice statute renumbered

The law moves the council statute to a new place in the Montana Code and updates all cross‑references. The act takes effect on passage and approval.

New criminal justice oversight council

The law creates an 18‑member Montana Criminal Justice Oversight Council. Members include four legislators, two judges, the attorney general, key agency heads, a county sheriff, a county attorney, a tribal justice expert, a parole board member, a victims’ representative, a civil rights representative, and two community corrections providers. The council elects a presiding officer who must be a legislator. The Legislative Services Division provides staff support. Vacancies are filled the same way as the original pick; if a seat sits open over 60 days, the council may name a temporary member. Members get travel reimbursement under state travel rules, salaried public employees keep regular pay, and legislators are paid under statute. When appointing, the governor and attorney general must consider people who also serve on the Board of Crime Control.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Barry Usher
Republican • Senate

Cosponsors

Amy Regier
Republican • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 287 • No: 12

House vote • 3/31/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 99 • No: 0

House vote • 3/29/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 100 • No: 0

Senate vote • 2/11/2025

Do Pass

Yes: 48 • No: 2

Senate vote • 2/10/2025