MT SB89

Establishes a new Sexual and Violent Offender Presentence Investigation and Reporting Unit within the Department of Corrections, staffed by probation and parole officers assigned by the department

Unit conducts presentence investigations and reports for defendants convicted of sexual offenses or violent offenses as defined in state law (46-23-502)

Requested by the Criminal Justice Oversight Council following its 2023-2024 study finding that probation and parole officer workloads negatively impact the timeliness and quality of presentence investigation reports

Presentence investigation reports must generally be completed within 30 business days of conviction and must be considered by the court prior to sentencing

Amends existing law (MCA 46-18-111 and 46-18-242) to integrate the new specialized unit into Montana's presentence investigation procedures