Study bill proposed to review training for investigators handling sexual-assault and homicide cases

An unnamed sponsor opened HJ32 with an account of a child sexual-assault investigation in which the assigned investigator lacked more than basic post training and missed investigative tools. The sponsor said the bill would study the statewide landscape for investigator training, explore where advanced training is missing, and consider whether the Montana Law Enforcement Academy or other statewide resources could help local agencies.

"If we do this right, we can avoid unnecessary appeals and case turnovers," the sponsor said, arguing that better training can reduce retrials, wrongful accusations and the expense of repeated litigation. The sponsor said he had discussed the idea with the Attorney General and the Law Enforcement Academy and had scaled the proposal back from a mandatory law to a study to allow stakeholder input.

Alex Sturhan, Director of External Affairs for the Attorney General's Office, said the Attorney General's administration prioritizes public safety and supports the study as a way to share expertise from the Department of Justice and its major-crimes unit with local investigators. "Public safety is a number 1 priority with his administration," Sturhan told the committee and asked for a do-pass recommendation.

At executive action the committee took a voice vote and the chair announced HJ32 had passed out of Senate Judiciary, with proxies recorded in the hearing record.

Why it matters: The study aims to identify gaps in advanced investigative training statewide for serious crimes; its recommendations could lead to standardized training, resource-sharing, or future statute changes affecting law-enforcement practice.

Next steps: HJ32 was reported out of committee and will move to the floor for further consideration.