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Bill would require sheriff backup and mediation/arbitration if small towns lack police

Senate Local Government Committee
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Summary

House Bill 333 would let third‑class Montana cities/towns contract with county sheriffs for policing, require sheriffs to provide services if no local police exist, and set mediation and binding arbitration to settle disputes over price when a voluntary agreement cannot be reached.

Representative Courtney Sprunger told the committee HB 333 creates a clear, stepwise process for small municipalities that lack police departments to secure law‑enforcement services from county sheriffs and, if necessary, use facilitated dispute resolution and binding arbitration to resolve pricing disagreements.

Brian Thompson of the Montana Sheriffs and Peace Officers Association described existing informal contracting…

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