HOUSE BILL NO. 552

INTRODUCED BY R. PECK

A BILL FOR AN ACT ENTITLED: "AN ACT REQUIRING THE REPORTING OF CRIMES DIRECTED AGAINST INDIVIDUALS OR GROUPS BECAUSE OF THEIR RACE, CREED, RELIGION, COLOR, NATIONAL ORIGIN, SEXUAL ORIENTATION, OR INVOLVEMENT IN CIVIL RIGHTS OR HUMAN RIGHTS ACTIVITIES; AND REQUIRING TRAINING OF POLICE OFFICERS AND PROSECUTING ATTORNEYS IN INVESTIGATING, IDENTIFYING, RESPONDING TO, AND REPORTING THE CRIMES."

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MONTANA:

NEW SECTION. Section 1. Hate crimes -- reporting requirements -- central repository -- rules. The board of crime control shall establish and maintain a central repository for the collection and analysis of information regarding crimes that are apparently directed against individuals or groups or their property because of their race, creed, religion, color, national origin, sexual orientation, or involvement in civil rights or human rights activities. The board shall adopt rules establishing a procedure for local law enforcement agencies to monitor, record, classify, and analyze information relating to the crimes. The board shall seek the cooperation of the law enforcement office of each tribal government in the state in an effort to coordinate the reporting of hate crimes.

NEW SECTION. Section 2. Local law enforcement agencies -- annual reports. All local law enforcement agencies shall report to the board of crime control concerning the offenses referred to in [section 1] in the form and in the manner required by the rules adopted by the board. The board shall summarize and analyze the information received and submit it in a public, annual report to the governor. The report must be prepared in a manner that does not divulge confidential criminal justice information.

NEW SECTION. Section 3. Hate crimes -- prosecutor and police officer training. The department of justice shall design and offer education and training to law enforcement officers and prosecuting attorneys in investigating, identifying, responding to, and reporting public offenses based on a person's race, creed, religion, color, national origin, sexual orientation, or involvement in civil rights or human rights activities. The department shall consult with the human rights commission and other human rights organizations regarding the content and provision of the education and training and shall provide education and training in its regular curriculum.

NEW SECTION. Section 4. Codification instruction. [Sections 1 through 3] are intended to be codified as an integral part of Title 44, chapter 4, and the provisions of Title 44, chapter 4, apply to [sections 1 through 3].

NEW SECTION. Section 5. Notification to tribal governments. The secretary of state shall send a copy of [this act] to each tribal government located on the seven Montana reservations and to the Little Shell band of Chippewa.

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