MT HJ32

Requests the Legislative Council to designate an interim committee to study training availability and qualifications of investigators within Montana's approximately 117 law enforcement agencies

Focuses on training for investigating serious crimes including homicides (Title 45, chapter 5, part 1) and sexual crimes (Title 45, chapter 5, part 5), which require skills beyond basic POST certification

Requires surveying Montana law enforcement agencies to assess the availability and number of peace officers qualified to investigate these serious crimes

Addresses staffing concerns: 16 of 55 county sheriff's departments and 22 of 46 municipal police departments employ five or fewer officers

Study must be completed by September 15, 2026, with findings and any recommended legislation reported to the 70th Legislature