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Bill to allow accredited colleges to run POST‑approved academy receives wide law‑enforcement support
Summary
House Bill 589 would authorize accredited Montana colleges to administer POST‑approved basic peace‑officer training; proponents including sheriffs and Gallatin College said it expands training capacity and recruiting options and will standardize curriculum through POST approval.
Representative Jane Gillette opened the hearing on House Bill 589, which would enable accredited Montana colleges or universities to host and administer peace‑officer basic training programs approved by the Peace Officer Standards and Training council (POST), effectively allowing college‑based pre‑service tracks that mirror the Montana Law Enforcement Academy curriculum.
Sponsor and intent: Representative Jane Gillette said the bill standardizes the training approval process so that if programs are offered by accredited Montana institutions, their curriculum must be POST‑approved and commensurate with the existing Montana Law Enforcement Academy basic course. The stated aim is to expand training capacity, increase the recruitment pipeline and provide a standardized pathway for students to enter law enforcement.
Supporters spoke overwhelmingly in favor. Cascade County Sheriff Jesse Slaughter (chair of POST), Gallatin County Sheriff Dan Springer, under‑sheriff Jeremy Kopp and other sheriffs and chiefs testified that Montana is experiencing recruiting challenges and that accredited college programs (Gallatin College was a frequent example) would allow pre‑service students to acquire a 30‑credit certificate that agencies could hire against. Gallatin College representatives described an existing certificate design with a projected tuition in the $4,000–$4,500 range for the 30‑credit certificate, run in partnership with local agencies and with POST and Montana Law Enforcement Academy alignment.
Fiscal and operational questions: Committee members asked about costs and whether the proposal would shift costs from the state academy; proponents said colleges would bear startup costs and students would pay tuition, with local agencies sometimes reimbursing tuition after hire. Sheriffs said the approach could reduce training backlog and speed field readiness for recruits.
Opposition and information: There were no organized opponents in the transcript. Informational witnesses included a Montana State University Police Department representative who explained program design and POST alignment. Representatives of cities and towns and the Montana sheriffs association testified in support.
Committee disposition: The sponsor asked for a "do pass" and indicated willingness to monitor fiscal notes; the hearing concluded with general support from law‑enforcement and educational partners and no recorded votes in the transcript.
