INTRODUCED
BY N. Duram
By Request of the ****
A joint resolution of the Senate and the House of Representatives of the state of montana requesting an interim study to explore options for future funding of victim services in montana.
WHEREAS, the Montana Board of Crime Control receives more requests for Victims of Crime Act assistance and Violence Against Women Act and Sexual Assault Services Programming funding than current funding levels can satisfy; and
WHEREAS, Montana's victim services allocations are one of the lowest in the nation because of Montana's small population and its status as one of the few states that does not have support from general fund appropriations; and
WHEREAS, since 2019, Montana's Victims of Crime Act assistance allocation has decreased every year and fluctuations in federal funding have resulted in unstable sources of funding for victim services; and
WHEREAS, the Montana Board of Crime Control anticipates Montana's Victims of Crime Act assistance funding will continue to decrease and other related funds will remain continuously unstable.
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 or statutory committee, pursuant to section 5-5-217, MCA, or direct sufficient staff resources to explore how Montana can support victim services programs and ensure that these programs will be adequately and sustainably funded.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the committee consult with and involve relevant stakeholders identified by the committee.
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, 2022.
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 68th Legislature.