Senate joint resolution NO. 34

INTRODUCED BY C. Friedel

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 specialized courts in montana; 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 examine:

(1)        the types, structures, and effectiveness of specialized courts in the state;

(2)        the cost of operating the courts, the sources of funding for the courts, the recidivism rates of participants and graduates, and a comparison of a judge's time spent on specialized court dockets compared to the regular dockets; and

(2)        best practices for the operation of specialized courts.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the study analyze any case law related to the operation of these courts, specifically to determine if there might be a separation of powers conflict posed by the courts.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the study involve input from relevant stakeholders, including judges who preside over specialized courts, court staff, the Department of Corrections, the Office of State Public Defender, prosecutors, alcohol and drug testing vendors, and others determined 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.