RELATING TO FIREWORKS.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Sam Kong

HB 83 creates a special revenue account to fund the Montana Missing Indigenous Persons Task Force, enhancing resources for locating missing Indigenous individuals and improving community safety.

Referred to JHA, FIN, referral sheet 1

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Purpose and Intent

House Bill 83 (HB 83) aims to establish a dedicated state special revenue account to support the Montana Missing Indigenous Persons Task Force. The primary goal of this legislation is to enhance the resources available for addressing the critical issue of missing Indigenous persons in Montana, thereby improving law enforcement responses and community safety.

Key Provisions

Creation of a Special Revenue Account: The bill establishes a state special revenue account specifically for the Montana Missing Indigenous Persons Task Force. This account will be used to fund initiatives and programs aimed at locating missing Indigenous individuals.

Funding Allocation: The bill outlines the mechanisms for funding the task force, ensuring that financial resources are directed towards effective strategies for prevention, investigation, and community outreach related to missing Indigenous persons.

Task Force Empowerment: The legislation empowers the task force to coordinate with various law enforcement agencies and community organizations to enhance the effectiveness of their operations.

Affected Parties

Indigenous Communities: The primary beneficiaries of this bill are Indigenous communities in Montana, who face disproportionate rates of missing persons cases. The task force aims to provide better support and resources to these communities.

Law Enforcement Agencies: Local and state law enforcement agencies will be directly impacted as they collaborate with the task force to implement strategies and share resources for locating missing individuals.

Community Organizations: Non-profit organizations and community groups that work with Indigenous populations will also be involved in the task force's initiatives, fostering a collaborative approach to addressing this issue.

Procedural Timeline

Introduced: April 03, 2025

Governor's Approval: The bill was signed by the Governor on February 27, 2025, following its passage through both the House and Senate.

Legislative Journey: The bill underwent several readings and committee actions in both chambers, with significant milestones including:

House Approval: Passed on January 24, 2025.
Senate Approval: Concurred on February 12, 2025.

Chapter Number Assigned: As of March 24, 2025, the bill has been assigned a chapter number, indicating its finalization as law.

Conclusion

HB 83 represents a significant step towards addressing the urgent issue of missing Indigenous persons in Montana. By establishing a dedicated revenue account for the task force, the bill aims to enhance resources and support for affected communities, improve law enforcement collaboration, and ultimately work towards reducing the number of missing persons cases among Indigenous populations.

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