2017 Montana Legislature

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HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 30

INTRODUCED BY D. MORTENSEN, D. BARTEL, B. BEARD, B. BENNETT, B. BROWN, Z. BROWN, E. BUTTREY, G. CUSTER, W. GALT, B. HAMLETT, B. HARRIS, G. HERTZ, S. HINEBAUCH, K. HOLMLUND, J. O'HARA, A. REDFIELD, T. RICHMOND, W. SALES, S. STAFFANSON, N. SWANDAL, B. USHER, P. WEBB, R. WEBB, D. ZOLNIKOV

 

A JOINT RESOLUTION OF THE SENATE AND THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MONTANA REQUESTING AN INTERIM STUDY TO EXAMINE THE DEPARTMENT OF LIVESTOCK'S LAW ENFORCEMENT DUTIES; AND REQUIRING THAT THE FINAL RESULTS OF THE STUDY BE REPORTED TO THE 66TH LEGISLATURE.

 

     WHEREAS, livestock detectives appointed by the territorial government are thought to be Montana's first law enforcement agency; and

     WHEREAS, it is the mission of the Montana Department of Livestock to "protect the livestock industry from theft and predatory animals"; and

     WHEREAS, state law allows the Department of Livestock to employ stock inspectors and detectives "for the protection of the livestock interests of this state"; and

     WHEREAS, state law allows inspectors and detectives to have law enforcement powers, including the power to arrest a person violating the laws of Montana; and

     WHEREAS, during 2013, the department's 18 inspectors investigated or filed 98 misdemeanor and 28 felony cases for crimes including illegal branding and theft of livestock; and

     WHEREAS, the Legislature must ensure that the duties of today's livestock inspectors meet the needs of today's livestock industry.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE AND THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MONTANA:

     That the Legislative Council be requested to designate an appropriate interim committee, pursuant to section 5-5-217, MCA, or direct sufficient staff resources to examine the legal processes related to livestock laws in Montana and the procedures used meant to protect producers.

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the study consider:

     (1) any relevant reports and analyses;

     (2) input from the Department of Livestock, the Board of Livestock, the livestock industry, and the general public; and

     (3) procedures and processes in other states.

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that if the study is assigned to staff, any findings or conclusions be presented to and reviewed by an appropriate committee designated by the Legislative Council.

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that all aspects of the study, including presentation and review requirements, be concluded prior to September 15, 2018.

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the final results of the study, including any findings, conclusions, comments, or recommendations of the appropriate committee, be reported to the 66th Legislature.

- END -

 


Latest Version of HJ 30 (HJ0030.02)
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