Missoula, MT — The Montana Senate has approved Senate Bill 393, which will provide critical funding to support law enforcement efforts on the Flathead Indian Reservation. Sponsored by Senator Greg Hertz, a Republican from Polson, the bill passed through the Senate on Monday and is now headed to Governor Greg Gianforte’s desk for potential approval.
SB 393 proposes a $250,000 allocation for both Lake County and the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes. These funds are designated to reimburse law enforcement agencies for costs associated with felony criminal jurisdiction within the reservation. The state would need to release the funds by July 31 of this year to help ease the growing financial pressures faced by local and tribal law enforcement.
In remarks during the legislative session, Senator Hertz stressed the urgency of the measure, warning that without the additional funding, law enforcement resources on the reservation could face a significant breakdown, leading to a potential rise in crime. “Currently, on the Flathead Indian Reservation, if we don’t get some additional funding from the state, that law enforcement is going to break down,” Hertz said. “And we’re going to have a lot more problems.”
SB 393 not only authorizes the immediate $250,000 payment but also outlines a longer-term plan for the state to continue reimbursing Lake County and the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes for ongoing law enforcement expenditures related to felony jurisdiction.
The bill’s passage comes after mounting concerns over the financial challenges faced by law enforcement agencies on the reservation, which has jurisdictional complexities between tribal and county law enforcement. Senator Hertz, who represents Polson, has worked to address these issues, stressing the need for a collaborative approach to public safety in the area.
Now, the legislation awaits action from Governor Gianforte, who will decide whether to sign the bill into law. If enacted, SB 393 is expected to provide much-needed relief to local and tribal authorities as they continue their law enforcement duties on the Flathead Indian Reservation.
