_____________ joint resolution NO. _____________

INTRODUCED BY _________________________________________________

By Request of the ****

A joint resolution of the Senate and the House of Representatives of the state of montana requesting an interim study of the impacts of a defendant's failure to appear in court; and requiring that the final results of the study be reported to the 69th legislature.

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 study the financial and public safety impacts when a criminal defendant fails to appear in court.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the study involve courts representative of all jurisdictions, including city, county, and state courts.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the study involve input from stakeholders, including state and local law enforcement, prosecutors and defense attorneys, judges, court staff, and other 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, 2024.

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 69th Legislature.