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Bill would create dispute‑resolution process when towns lack police departments
Summary
House Bill 333 would allow third-class cities and towns to rely on interlocal contracts or, if necessary, a dispute-resolution process facilitated by Montana State University's Local Government Center to secure law enforcement services from county sheriffs or neighboring jurisdictions.
House Bill 333 aims to clarify responsibility for providing law enforcement services in small Montana municipalities and set a process for resolving disputes when towns and county sheriffs cannot agree on contracts or payment terms.
The bill would explicitly authorize third-class cities and towns to enter interlocal agreements with sheriffs or neighboring municipalities to obtain policing services and would require the sheriff to provide law enforcement if no local police department is operating. If a municipality and county cannot reach agreement on terms, the bill creates a dispute-resolution process, with the Local Government Center facilitating negotiations and, in rare cases, binding arbitration.
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