Committee hears bill to speed return of officers’ firearms seized as evidence
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Summary
Senate Bill 288 would require earlier return of law‑enforcement weapons taken in investigations once active prosecutions or appeals are complete. Supporters said delayed returns impose equipment and financial burdens on small counties; no opponents were recorded in the transcript.
Senator Denley Logi said Senate Bill 288 would expedite return of law‑enforcement firearms that agencies take into evidence after an officer‑involved shooting or other incident. Supporters told the committee that long evidence holds leave agencies short of issued equipment and that some officers currently must use personal weapons or equipment while awaiting return.
Supporters included law‑enforcement groups and local officials. Former Representative Gordon Hendrick told the committee that counties sometimes wait years—because of lab work, coroner’s inquests and prosecution timetables—before evidence is released and weapons returned. Shelby Demars of the Montana Police Protective Association said the bill adds a “stopgap” to allow return when investigations are complete and no appeals or pending criminal matters require retention.
No opponents or informational witnesses appeared in the provided transcript and the sponsor told the committee the Senate had passed the bill 50‑0 earlier.
Committee questions focused on preserving chain of custody and ensuring the provision did not conflict with ongoing criminal investigations; the sponsor and proponents stressed the bill includes safeguards requiring that any return occur only after evidence tests and internal investigative needs are complete and no criminal charges or appeals are pending.
No committee vote is recorded in the supplied transcript.