HOUSE BILL NO. 622

INTRODUCED BY J. WITT

A BILL FOR AN ACT ENTITLED: "AN ACT PROVIDING FOR AN INTERIM LOCAL GOVERNMENT FUNDING AND STRUCTURE STUDY AND AN INTERIM COURT FUNDING AND STRUCTURE STUDY ; PROVIDING FOR FUNDING; AND PROVIDING AN IMMEDIATE EFFECTIVE DATE."

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

NEW SECTION. Section 1. Local government and court funding and structure study.

(1) (a) If and to the extent that time, resources, and personnel of the department of administration, other state and local government entities and agencies, and the private sector are available, the department shall conduct a study of funding local government, including the courts, to ascertain the best method of allocating current and future resources while providing a complementary funding relationship between local government and state government. This complementary funding relationship must provide stable and reliable revenue streams to local governments, including the courts. The study must explore regional concepts, as well as further lifting of local government revenue restrictions and de-earmarking of revenue to local governments. The complementary funding relationship must meet the criteria set forth in the following vision statement, adopted by the local government funding and school finance visioning group:

"We are dedicated to partnerships among the state, counties, cities, and school districts that are based on mutual trust and respect for local authority. This partnership will enable all governments to respond to the demands of their citizens in the 21st century through a mix of taxes and fees that is understandable, equitable, stable, and adequate. The collection and distribution system for these taxes and fees will be simple, efficient, accurate, and timely."

(b) (i) The department shall make interim reports to the governor, the chief justice, and the leadership of each house of the legislature every 6 months.

(ii) The department shall submit a written report to the legislature not later than December 1, 2000, that must include recommendations and proposed bill drafts necessary to implement any legislative proposals to streamline the functions of local government, including courts and a complementary funding structure between state and local governments.

(2) The department is authorized to request directly from any agency, board, or commission any relevant information, suggestions, estimates, and statistics, and each agency, board, or commission shall furnish requested information to the best of its ability.

NEW SECTION. Section 2. Funding . For purposes of conducting the study referred to in [section 1], the department may receive gifts, grants, and donations. The money received must be placed in a special revenue fund account to the credit of the department.

NEW SECTION. Section 3. Effective date. [This act] is effective on passage and approval.

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