reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 44. Law Enforcement › Chapter 2. Investigation, Communication, and Identification › Part 4. Missing Persons -- Unidentified Bodies › 44-2-412. Looping in native communities network grant program

44-2-412. (Temporary) Looping in native communities network grant program.
(1) There is a looping in native communities network grant program. The program is established to create a network in support of efforts by Montana tribes to identify, report, and find Native American persons who are missing. The grant program is administered by the missing indigenous persons task force established in 44-2-411.
(2) The grant program includes a competitive grant to be awarded to a tribal entity to create and administer a central administration point for the looping in native communities network. The missing indigenous persons task force shall develop the application and the criteria to award the grant to a tribal entity. The criteria must include:
(a) policies and standards for technology and equipment, including data storage and security of information entered into the network;
(b) standards for data verification;
(c) job qualifications and requirements for a data specialist to administer the network;
(d) development of a system to provide automatic initial alerts to law enforcement agencies and tribal and community organizations when a missing indigenous person report is made, including determining which law enforcement agencies will receive the automatic initial alert;
(e) development of a standard reporting form that includes space to provide the information specified in subsection (4) to be used by the data specialist; and
(f) administrative rights for a designee at each participating tribal agency.
(3) The grant program may include additional smaller, noncompetitive grants to be awarded to a qualifying tribal agency at each reservation that submits a complete application. The purpose of the grants awarded under this subsection is to provide matching funds for some or all of the costs required for the tribal agency to set up and maintain access to the looping in native communities network.
(4) The standard reporting form required under subsection (2)(e) must allow a data specialist to enter information about the missing indigenous person, including but not limited to the missing person's:
(a) name and any aliases or nicknames;
(b) gender, age, height, weight, and other physical descriptive characteristics;
(c) last known location and related information, including the date of last contact with the missing indigenous person and the person with whom the missing indigenous person last made contact; and
(d) photographs, including photographs obtained from an online or social media profile. (Terminates June 30, 2033--sec. 2, Ch. 624, L. 2023, sec. 3, Ch. 624, L. 2023.)
History: En. Sec. 2, Ch. 373, L. 2019; amd. Sec. 2, Ch. 243, L. 2021.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 44. Law Enforcement › Chapter 2. Investigation, Communication, and Identification › Part 4. Missing Persons -- Unidentified Bodies › 44-2-413. Looping in native communities network state special revenue account

44-2-413. (Temporary) Looping in native communities network state special revenue account.
There is a looping in native communities network account within the state special revenue fund established in 17-2-102. The purpose of the account is to provide matching funds to tribal agencies to implement the looping in native communities network. The account is administered by the department of justice. (Terminates June 30, 2033--sec. 2, Ch. 624, L. 2023, sec. 3, Ch. 624, L. 2023.)
History: En. Sec. 3, Ch. 373, L. 2019.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 44. Law Enforcement › Chapter 2. Investigation, Communication, and Identification › Part 4. Missing Persons -- Unidentified Bodies › 44-2-416. Missing persons response team training grant program -- reporting

44-2-416. Missing persons response team training grant program -- reporting.
(1) There is a missing persons response team training grant program administered by the department of justice. The purpose of the grant program is to help fund training opportunities for community-based missing persons response teams.
(2) Eligible teams may be multiagency and multijurisdictional and may include other community entities and volunteers. Eligible teams shall:
(a) establish memorandums of understanding between the involved entities;
(b) develop operational procedures and criteria under which a team activation can occur; and
(c) participate in a community action planning effort conducted in accordance with department guidelines.
(3) Eligible training expenses include but are not limited to the licensing costs of a training program, facilitator and conference location fees, and travel expenses for training staff and trainees.
(4) The department shall report, in accordance with 5-11-210, on the grants awarded pursuant to this section to the state-tribal relations committee provided for in 5-5-229 by July 1 prior to each regular legislative session.
History: En. Sec. 1, Ch. 160, L. 2023.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 44. Law Enforcement › Chapter 2. Investigation, Communication, and Identification › Part 4. Missing Persons -- Unidentified Bodies › 44-2-417. Missing persons response team training grant account

44-2-417. Missing persons response team training grant account.
(1) There is a missing persons response team training grant account in the state special revenue fund established in 17-2-102. The account is administered by the department of justice.
(2) Money transferred from any lawful source, including but not limited to gifts, grants, donations, securities, and other assets, public or private, may be deposited in the account.
(3) Money deposited in the account must be used pursuant to 44-2-416.
(4) Up to 10% of the funds deposited in the missing persons response team training grant account each year may be used for administrative costs by the department.
(5) Interest and income earned on the account and any unspent or unencumbered money in the account at the end of a fiscal year must remain in the account.
History: En. Sec. 2, Ch. 160, L. 2023.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 44. Law Enforcement › Chapter 2. Investigation, Communication, and Identification › Part 5. Missing Children › 44-2-502. Definitions -- legislative intent

44-2-502. Definitions -- legislative intent.
(1) As used in this part, the following definitions apply:
(a) "Missing child" means any person who has been reported as missing to a law enforcement authority and:
(i) who is under 21 years of age;
(ii) whose temporary or permanent residence is in Montana or is believed to be in Montana; and
(iii) whose location has not been determined.
(b) "Missing child report" means a report prepared on a form designed by the department of justice for use by private citizens and law enforcement authorities to report information about missing children to the missing children information program provided for in 44-2-503.
(2) The legislature intends the phrase "law enforcement authority" to be interpreted broadly in this part as inclusive of local, state, tribal, and federal authorities.
History: En. Sec. 2, Ch. 559, L. 1985; amd. Sec. 1, Ch. 79, L. 2015; amd. Sec. 2, Ch. 275, L. 2019.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 44. Law Enforcement › Chapter 2. Investigation, Communication, and Identification › Part 5. Missing Children › 44-2-503. Missing children information program

44-2-503. Missing children information program.
(1) The department of justice shall establish a missing children information program to create a central repository to aid in the location of missing children in Montana.
(2) The missing children information program shall:
(a) establish a system of intrastate communication of information relating to any child determined to be missing by the parent, guardian, or legal custodian of the child or by a law enforcement authority;
(b) provide a centralized file for the exchange of information on missing children within the state, including information obtained under the provisions of 44-2-401;
(c) interface with the national crime information center computer system for exchange of information on children suspected of interstate travel; and
(d) provide the superintendent of public instruction each month with a list of missing Montana school children for the purposes of 44-2-506.
History: En. Sec. 3, Ch. 559, L. 1985.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 44. Law Enforcement › Chapter 2. Investigation, Communication, and Identification › Part 5. Missing Children › 44-2-504. Reports to missing children information program -- custodial interference

44-2-504. Reports to missing children information program -- custodial interference.
(1) All law enforcement authorities in the state shall submit information regarding a missing child to the missing children information program provided for in 44-2-503.
(2) Any parent, guardian, or legal custodian may submit a missing child report to the missing children information program on any child whose whereabouts is unknown, regardless of the circumstances, subsequent to making a report to the appropriate law enforcement authority.
(3) The parent, guardian, or legal custodian responsible for notifying the missing children information program or a law enforcement authority of a missing child shall immediately notify the authority and the program if the child's location has been determined.
(4) When a law enforcement authority takes a report of what the authority reasonably believes is custodial interference, as described in 45-5-304, the authority shall also collect detailed biographical and contact information for all involved parties, including the reporting party, any alleged suspects, and the alleged missing or involved child. If the whereabouts of the involved child is unknown, the law enforcement authority shall file a missing child report.
History: En. Sec. 4, Ch. 559, L. 1985; amd. Sec. 1, Ch. 23, L. 2019; amd. Sec. 3, Ch. 275, L. 2019.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 44. Law Enforcement › Chapter 2. Investigation, Communication, and Identification › Part 5. Missing Children › 44-2-505. Duties of law enforcement authority

44-2-505. Duties of law enforcement authority.
Whenever a parent, guardian, or legal custodian of a child files a report with a law enforcement authority that the child is missing, the law enforcement authority shall within 2 hours of the report:
(1) inform all on-duty law enforcement officers of the existence of the missing child report;
(2) communicate the report to all other law enforcement authorities having jurisdiction in the county;
(3) enter the missing child report into the national crime information center computer system; and
(4) if the missing child is enrolled in a Montana public school district, request the child's directory photograph from the superintendent of public instruction pursuant to 20-7-1317. If a directory photograph is available, it must be included with the missing child report.
History: En. Sec. 5, Ch. 559, L. 1985; amd. Sec. 2, Ch. 79, L. 2015; amd. Sec. 2, Ch. 250, L. 2019.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 44. Law Enforcement › Chapter 2. Investigation, Communication, and Identification › Part 5. Missing Children › 44-2-506. List of missing Montana school children

44-2-506. List of missing Montana school children.
(1) The superintendent of public instruction shall assist the missing children information program provided for in 44-2-503 in identifying and locating missing children who are enrolled in Montana public school districts in kindergarten through grade 12 by:
(a) collecting each month a list of missing Montana school children as provided by the missing children information program provided for in 44-2-503;
(b) distributing the list of missing school children on a monthly basis, unless the list has no change from the previous month's information, to all school districts admitting children to kindergarten through grade 12;
(c) designing the list to include pertinent available information for identification of the missing school child, including a directory photograph of the child if available pursuant to 20-7-1317; and
(d) notifying the appropriate law enforcement agency and the missing children information program as soon as any additional information is obtained or contact is made with respect to a missing school child.
(2) Each school district in Montana shall:
(a) distribute to each school building within the district the list of missing school children provided for in subsection (1); and
(b) notify the appropriate law enforcement agency at the earliest known contact with any child whose name appears on the list of missing school children.
History: En. Sec. 6, Ch. 559, L. 1985; amd. Sec. 3, Ch. 250, L. 2019.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 44. Law Enforcement › Chapter 2. Investigation, Communication, and Identification › Part 5. Missing Children › 44-2-507. Notice to parents of children absent from school

44-2-507. Notice to parents of children absent from school.
The trustees of any elementary or high school district shall establish procedures to be followed by school personnel for attempting to contact by the end of a school day any parent, guardian, or legal custodian whose child is absent from school but who has not reported the child as absent for the school day to determine whether the parent, guardian, or legal custodian is aware of the child's absence from school.
History: En. Sec. 7, Ch. 559, L. 1985.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 44. Law Enforcement › Chapter 2. Investigation, Communication, and Identification › Part 5. Missing Children › 44-2-511. School enrollment procedures to aid identification of missing children

44-2-511. School enrollment procedures to aid identification of missing children.
(1) When a child enrolls in a school district for the first time, the school district shall:
(a) require that the child's parent, guardian, or legal custodian present to the school, within 40 days of enrollment, proof of identity of the child; and
(b) request the appropriate school records of the child from the previous school attended by the child. The school enrolling the child shall make the request within 40 days of enrollment of the child.
(2) If a child's parent, guardian, or legal custodian does not present the proof of identity required in subsection (1) within 40 days of enrollment or if the school district does not receive the school records of the child within 60 days of enrollment, the school shall notify the missing children information program provided in 44-2-503 and a local law enforcement authority of the fact that no proof of identity has been presented for the child.
(3) A school district that receives a request for the school records of a child shall transfer the records to the requesting school as soon as possible.
(4) When a school district receives a notice from a law enforcement authority, parent, guardian, or legal custodian that a child who is or has been enrolled in that school has been reported as a missing child, the school district shall:
(a) flag in some manner the student records of the child; and
(b) notify the missing children information program and a local law enforcement authority if a request for the school records is received from another school district.
(5) If it is necessary for a local law enforcement authority to conduct an investigation on a missing child, school personnel may not inform the person claiming custody of the child of the investigation while it is being conducted.
(6) For the purposes of this section:
(a) "proof of identity" means a certified copy of a birth certificate, a certified transcript or similar student records from the previous school, or any documentary evidence that a school district considers to be satisfactory proof of identity; and
(b) "school district" means a school district as defined in 20-6-101 or a nonpublic elementary school or high school in the state.
History: En. Sec. 1, Ch. 407, L. 1987.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 44. Law Enforcement › Chapter 2. Investigation, Communication, and Identification › Part 6. Escape or Release From Confinement -- Notification › 44-2-601. Notification of escape or release from confinement

44-2-601. Notification of escape or release from confinement.
(1) The notice required by subsection (2) must be given if:
(a) a person committed to a hospital or mental health facility under Title 46, chapter 14, escapes or is released from confinement;
(b) a person confined in an institution other than a jail pending or during trial for a criminal offense involving the use or threat of physical force or violence or confined in a prison or other state institution after conviction of a criminal offense involving the use or threat of physical force or violence escapes or is released from confinement; or
(c) a person confined in a jail pending or during trial for a criminal offense involving the use or threat of physical force or violence or confined in a jail after conviction of a criminal offense involving the use or threat of physical force or violence escapes from confinement.
(2) If a person referred to in subsection (1) escapes or is released from confinement, the institution in which the person was confined shall notify:
(a) the sheriff or other law enforcement officials in the county in which the offense occurred;
(b) the sheriff or other law enforcement officials in the county or counties, if known, in which a victim or the victims of the offense reside at the time of the escape or release;
(c) the sheriff or other law enforcement officials in the county, if known, in which the person intends to reside upon leaving confinement;
(d) the sheriff or other law enforcement officials in the county in which the jail, prison, hospital, mental health facility, or other institution from which the person escaped or was released is located;
(e) a victim of the offense who has requested notification in the event of an escape or a release of the person; and
(f) a court that has requested that it be notified in the event of an escape or a release of the person.
(3) The department shall adopt a methodology for notifying the individuals and entities listed in subsection (2). The methodology must take into account the public safety concerns related to escape. Notification concerning a pending release must be made prior to the release.
History: En. Sec. 1, Ch. 103, L. 1991; amd. Sec. 1, Ch. 374, L. 1993; amd. Sec. 1, Ch. 125, L. 1995; amd. Sec. 1, Ch. 372, L. 1995.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 44. Law Enforcement › Chapter 2. Investigation, Communication, and Identification › Part 7. Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.) (Repealed) › 44-2-701. Repealed

44-2-701. Repealed.
Sec. 1, Ch. 53, L. 2013.
History: En. Sec. 1, Ch. 808, L. 1991.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 44. Law Enforcement › Chapter 2. Investigation, Communication, and Identification › Part 7. Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.) (Repealed) › 44-2-702. Repealed

44-2-702. Repealed.
Sec. 1, Ch. 53, L. 2013.
History: En. Sec. 2, Ch. 808, L. 1991.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 44. Law Enforcement › Chapter 2. Investigation, Communication, and Identification › Part 7. Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.) (Repealed) › 44-2-703. Repealed

44-2-703. Repealed.
Sec. 1, Ch. 53, L. 2013.
History: En. Sec. 3, Ch. 808, L. 1991.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 44. Law Enforcement › Chapter 2. Investigation, Communication, and Identification › Part 7. Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.) (Repealed) › 44-2-704. Repealed

44-2-704. Repealed.
Sec. 1, Ch. 53, L. 2013.
History: En. Sec. 4, Ch. 808, L. 1991.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 44. Law Enforcement › Chapter 2. Investigation, Communication, and Identification › Part 7. Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.) (Repealed) › 44-2-705. Repealed

44-2-705. Repealed.
Sec. 1, Ch. 53, L. 2013.
History: En. Sec. 5, Ch. 808, L. 1991.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 44. Law Enforcement › Chapter 2. Investigation, Communication, and Identification › Part 8. Blue Alert Program › 44-2-801. Blue alert program

44-2-801. Blue alert program.
(1) There is a state alert system known as the blue alert program within the department of justice.
(2) Upon request by a law enforcement agency, the department may activate the blue alert program if the department determines that:
(a) (i) a peace officer has been killed or seriously injured in the line of duty;
(ii) an individual suspected to have caused the death or injury is at large;
(iii) a law enforcement agency has determined that the individual referred to in subsection (2)(a)(ii) poses a serious threat to the public, other peace officers, or both; and
(iv) sufficient information exists about the individual referred to in subsection (2)(a)(ii) or about the death or injury so that the activation of the program would materially assist in the capture of the individual;
(b) a peace officer is missing in connection with official duties; or
(c) an imminent and credible threat exists that an individual intends to cause serious injury or death of a peace officer.
(3) Upon activation of the blue alert program, the department shall notify the following entities in the state or area in which the alert is established:
(a) all law enforcement agencies;
(b) individuals who, because of their proximity to the geographic area in which the death or injury occurred, may have observed the death or injury or the escape of the individual referred to in subsection (2)(a)(ii) or may themselves become a victim of that individual;
(c) individuals who may have a special relationship to the individual referred to in subsection (2)(a)(ii), such as a relative of that individual or a peace officer or other person within the criminal justice system who knows the individual; and
(d) other persons who the department determines would benefit from the notice.
(4) The department shall terminate the blue alert when it determines:
(a) that the individual referred to in subsection (2)(a)(ii) has been apprehended or when it determines that the blue alert will no longer materially assist in the capture of the individual;
(b) the peace officer referred to in subsection (2)(b) is no longer missing or it determines that the blue alert will no longer assist in locating the peace officer; or
(c) the threat referred to in subsection (2)(c) no longer exists or it determines that the blue alert will no longer materially assist in alleviating the threat.
(5) The department shall adopt rules to implement this section.
(6) As used in this section, the following definitions apply:
(a) "Law enforcement agency" has the meaning provided in 44-11-303.
(b) "Peace officer" has the meaning provided in 46-1-202.
History: En. Sec. 1, Ch. 159, L. 2011; amd. Sec. 1, Ch. 95, L. 2019.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 44. Law Enforcement › Chapter 3. Montana Forensic Science System Act › Part 1. General Provisions Forensic Science › 44-3-101. Short title

44-3-101. Short title.
This chapter shall be known as the "Montana Forensic Science System Act".
History: En. 82-427 by Sec. 1, Ch. 530, L. 1977; R.C.M. 1947, 82-427.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 44. Law Enforcement › Chapter 3. Montana Forensic Science System Act › Part 1. General Provisions Forensic Science › 44-3-102. Purpose

44-3-102. Purpose.
The purpose of this chapter is to authorize the attorney general to provide the personnel, facilities, and procedures to:
(1) determine the cause of certain types of deaths by such investigation and examination as are in the public interest;
(2) analyze specimens for law enforcement officers; and
(3) provide reports, including oral testimony, concerning such investigation, examination, and analysis when in the public interest.
History: En. 82-428 by Sec. 2, Ch. 530, L. 1977; R.C.M. 1947, 82-428; amd. Sec. 1, Ch. 689, L. 1989.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 44. Law Enforcement › Chapter 3. Montana Forensic Science System Act › Part 1. General Provisions Forensic Science › 44-3-103. Repealed

44-3-103. Repealed.
Sec. 14, Ch. 503, L. 1985.
History: En. 82-429 by Sec. 3, Ch. 530, L. 1977; R.C.M. 1947, 82-429(part).
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 44. Law Enforcement › Chapter 3. Montana Forensic Science System Act › Part 1. General Provisions Forensic Science › 44-3-104. Functions of department

44-3-104. Functions of department.
The forensics functions of the department of justice include operation of a division of forensic sciences.
History: En. 82-430 by Sec. 4, Ch. 530, L. 1977; R.C.M. 1947, 82-430; amd. Sec. 6, Ch. 503, L. 1985; amd. Sec. 2, Ch. 689, L. 1989.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 44. Law Enforcement › Chapter 3. Montana Forensic Science System Act › Part 1. General Provisions Forensic Science › 44-3-105. Authority to accept grants

44-3-105. Authority to accept grants.
The department of justice is authorized to accept federal and other moneys which may be made available to accomplish the purposes of this chapter.
History: En. 82-431 by Sec. 5, Ch. 530, L. 1977; R.C.M. 1947, 82-431; amd. Sec. 7, Ch. 503, L. 1985.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 44. Law Enforcement › Chapter 3. Montana Forensic Science System Act › Part 1. General Provisions Forensic Science › 44-3-106. Power of attorney general to employ personnel

44-3-106. Power of attorney general to employ personnel.
The attorney general is authorized to employ personnel necessary to perform the functions authorized under this chapter.
History: En. 82-435 by Sec. 9, Ch. 530, L. 1977; R.C.M. 1947, 82-435(part); amd. Sec. 8, Ch. 503, L. 1985; amd. Sec. 3, Ch. 689, L. 1989.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 44. Law Enforcement › Chapter 3. Montana Forensic Science System Act › Part 2. Medical Examiners › 44-3-201. State chief medical examiner

44-3-201. State chief medical examiner.
A state chief medical examiner must be appointed by and serves at the pleasure of the attorney general. The state chief medical examiner must be a physician licensed to practice medicine in Montana and must be board-certified in forensic pathology. Once appointed, the state chief medical examiner is supervised by the director of the laboratory of criminalistics. Medical examiners must be free from undue personal, professional, or political influences as they objectively pursue and report the facts and opinions of their death investigations.
History: En. 82-429 by Sec. 3, Ch. 530, L. 1977; R.C.M. 1947, 82-429(part); amd. Sec. 9, Ch. 503, L. 1985; amd. Sec. 4, Ch. 689, L. 1989; amd. Sec. 1, Ch. 194, L. 2017; amd. Sec. 1, Ch. 123, L. 2021.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 44. Law Enforcement › Chapter 3. Montana Forensic Science System Act › Part 2. Medical Examiners › 44-3-202. Repealed

44-3-202. Repealed.
Sec. 8, Ch. 689, L. 1989.
History: En. 82-440 by Sec. 14, Ch. 530, L. 1977; R.C.M. 1947, 82-440(part).
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 44. Law Enforcement › Chapter 3. Montana Forensic Science System Act › Part 2. Medical Examiners › 44-3-203. Associate medical examiners -- qualifications

44-3-203. Associate medical examiners -- qualifications.
Associate medical examiners, including but not limited to locum tenens and per diem examiners, must be physicians licensed to practice in Montana, must be board-certified in forensic pathology, and may continue their private practice during their appointment. Associate medical examiners are appointed by, are supervised by, and serve at the pleasure of the state chief medical examiner.
History: En. 82-437 by Sec. 11, Ch. 530, L. 1977; R.C.M. 1947, 82-437(1); amd. Sec. 2, Ch. 194, L. 2017; amd. Sec. 2, Ch. 123, L. 2021.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 44. Law Enforcement › Chapter 3. Montana Forensic Science System Act › Part 2. Medical Examiners › 44-3-204. Associate medical examiners -- compensation

44-3-204. Associate medical examiners -- compensation.
Associate medical examiners may be paid for their services an amount that the state chief medical examiner considers to be reasonable compensation and may be reimbursed for expenses actually incurred in the performance of their duties.
History: En. 82-437 by Sec. 11, Ch. 530, L. 1977; R.C.M. 1947, 82-437(2), (3); amd. Sec. 3, Ch. 123, L. 2021.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 44. Law Enforcement › Chapter 3. Montana Forensic Science System Act › Part 2. Medical Examiners › 44-3-205. Deputy state medical examiner

44-3-205. Deputy state medical examiner.
Deputy state medical examiners are hired and supervised by the state medical examiner. Deputy state medical examiners must be physicians licensed to practice medicine in Montana and must be board-certified or eligible to be board-certified in forensic pathology. Board certification is required within 5 years of eligibility.
History: En. Sec. 3, Ch. 194, L. 2017.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 44. Law Enforcement › Chapter 3. Montana Forensic Science System Act › Part 2. Medical Examiners › 44-3-211. Duties of state chief medical examiner and deputy medical examiner

44-3-211. Duties of state chief medical examiner and deputy medical examiner.
The duties of the state chief medical examiner and deputy medical examiner include but are not limited to the following:
(1) providing assistance and consultation to associate medical examiners, coroners, and law enforcement officers;
(2) providing court testimony when necessary to accomplish the purposes of this chapter;
(3) stimulating and directing research in the field of forensic pathology;
(4) maintaining an ongoing educational and training program for associate medical examiners, coroners, and law enforcement officers;
(5) appointing associate medical examiners; and
(6) performing autopsies as requested.
History: En. 82-436 by Sec. 10, Ch. 530, L. 1977; R.C.M. 1947, 82-436(1) thru (4); amd. Sec. 5, Ch. 689, L. 1989; amd. Sec. 4, Ch. 123, L. 2021.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 44. Law Enforcement › Chapter 3. Montana Forensic Science System Act › Part 2. Medical Examiners › 44-3-212. Repealed

44-3-212. Repealed.
Sec. 8, Ch. 689, L. 1989.
History: En. 82-436 by Sec. 10, Ch. 530, L. 1977; R.C.M. 1947, 82-436(5) thru (7).
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 44. Law Enforcement › Chapter 3. Montana Forensic Science System Act › Part 2. Medical Examiners › 44-3-213. Report to county attorney

44-3-213. Report to county attorney.
When the cause of death has been established within reasonable medical certainty by the state medical examiner or an associate, whether by review of a coroner's report or by personal examination, the state medical examiner shall make available in writing to the county attorney the state medical examiner's determination as to the cause of death.
History: En. 82-446 by Sec. 20, Ch. 530, L. 1977; R.C.M. 1947, 82-446; amd. Sec. 22, Ch. 7, L. 1979; amd. Sec. 1621, Ch. 56, L. 2009.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 44. Law Enforcement › Chapter 3. Montana Forensic Science System Act › Part 2. Medical Examiners › 44-3-214. Records

44-3-214. Records.
Copies of records and detailed findings of autopsy and laboratory investigations shall be maintained by the state medical examiner's office.
History: En. 82-447 by Sec. 21, Ch. 530, L. 1977; R.C.M. 1947, 82-447.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 44. Law Enforcement › Chapter 3. Montana Forensic Science System Act › Part 3. Laboratory of Criminalistics › 44-3-301. Laboratory of criminalistics

44-3-301. Laboratory of criminalistics.
(1) There is a laboratory of criminalistics within the department of justice. The laboratory's purpose is to perform analysis of specimens submitted by all Montana state, county, or city law enforcement officers and all state agencies and referral specimens from other states if accepted by the laboratory director.
(2) The laboratory's functions include analysis of toxicologic and criminalistic specimens that the laboratory director considers within the performance capability of the laboratory.
(3) The laboratory shall establish a Yellowstone County branch. The laboratory director shall determine the purposes, duties, and functions of the Yellowstone County branch, but priority must be given to the relief of the backlogs of chemistry and toxicology statewide.
History: En. 82-438 by Sec. 12, Ch. 530, L. 1977; R.C.M. 1947, 82-438(1), (2); amd. Sec. 6, Ch. 689, L. 1989; amd. Sec. 1, Ch. 450, L. 2015.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 44. Law Enforcement › Chapter 3. Montana Forensic Science System Act › Part 3. Laboratory of Criminalistics › 44-3-302. Fees for laboratory services

44-3-302. Fees for laboratory services.
The laboratory may charge reasonable fees for its services, except that it may not charge state, county, city, or municipal law enforcement officers or coroners of this state for services rendered. Fees collected under this section shall be deposited in an account in the state special revenue fund in the state treasury and used to pay operation expenses of the laboratory.
History: En. 82-438 by Sec. 12, Ch. 530, L. 1977; R.C.M. 1947, 82-438(3); amd. Sec. 1, Ch. 277, L. 1983.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 44. Law Enforcement › Chapter 3. Montana Forensic Science System Act › Part 3. Laboratory of Criminalistics › 44-3-303. Duties of laboratory director

44-3-303. Duties of laboratory director.
There is a director of the laboratory of criminalistics. The laboratory director shall:
(1) be responsible for supervision and direction of the laboratory;
(2) assist the department in the appointment of laboratory personnel;
(3) render decisions as to the disposition of specimens; and
(4) perform all other duties required by the rules of the department.
History: En. 82-439 by Sec. 13, Ch. 530, L. 1977; R.C.M. 1947, 82-439; amd. Sec. 10, Ch. 503, L. 1985; amd. Sec. 7, Ch. 689, L. 1989.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 44. Law Enforcement › Chapter 3. Montana Forensic Science System Act › Part 3. Laboratory of Criminalistics › 44-3-304. Repealed

44-3-304. Repealed.
Sec. 8, Ch. 689, L. 1989.
History: En. 82-440 by Sec. 14, Ch. 530, L. 1977; R.C.M. 1947, 82-440(part).
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 44. Law Enforcement › Chapter 3. Montana Forensic Science System Act › Part 4. Provisions Relating to Corpses › 44-3-401. Exemption from liability for autopsy

44-3-401. Exemption from liability for autopsy.
No criminal or civil action may arise against a medical examiner for performing an autopsy under this chapter or for performing an autopsy on request of a federal officer investigating a death within a federal jurisdiction.
History: En. 82-441 by Sec. 15, Ch. 530, L. 1977; R.C.M. 1947, 82-441; amd. Sec. 1, Ch. 492, L. 1985.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 44. Law Enforcement › Chapter 3. Montana Forensic Science System Act › Part 4. Provisions Relating to Corpses › 44-3-402. Repealed

44-3-402. Repealed.
Sec. 2, Ch. 408, L. 1983.
History: En. 82-442 by Sec. 16, Ch. 530, L. 1977; R.C.M. 1947, 82-442.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 44. Law Enforcement › Chapter 3. Montana Forensic Science System Act › Part 4. Provisions Relating to Corpses › 44-3-403. Repealed

44-3-403. Repealed.
Sec. 21, Ch. 660, L. 1991.
History: En. 82-443 by Sec. 17, Ch. 530, L. 1977; R.C.M. 1947, 82-443.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 44. Law Enforcement › Chapter 3. Montana Forensic Science System Act › Part 4. Provisions Relating to Corpses › 44-3-404. Criminal penalty

44-3-404. Criminal penalty.
A person is guilty of a misdemeanor and may be fined not more than $500 or be imprisoned in the county jail for not more than 1 year, or both, if the person:
(1) purposely fails to report or conceals a death, including a fetal death;
(2) refuses to make available prior medical or other information in a death investigation;
(3) without an order from the coroner or state medical examiner, purposely touches, removes, or disturbs a corpse, its clothing, or anything near the corpse; or
(4) knowingly or purposely disobeys a cessation order of a coroner.
History: En. 82-445 by Sec. 19, Ch. 530, L. 1977; R.C.M. 1947, 82-445; amd. Sec. 23, Ch. 7, L. 1979; amd. Sec. 12, Ch. 660, L. 1991; amd. Sec. 1622, Ch. 56, L. 2009.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 44. Law Enforcement › Chapter 4. Miscellaneous Functions of Department of Justice › Part 1. Training Coordinator for County Attorneys › 44-4-101. Position established -- salary

44-4-101. Position established -- salary.
There is created within the department of justice the position of training coordinator for county attorneys. The position of training coordinator for county attorneys is an exempt position as provided in 2-18-103. The salary for this position is the same as that provided in 7-4-2503 for a county attorney in a county with a population in excess of 30,000.
History: En. Sec. 1, Ch. 353, L. 1973; R.C.M. 1947, 82-421; amd. Sec. 24, Ch. 7, L. 1979; amd. Sec. 19, Ch. 455, L. 1995.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 44. Law Enforcement › Chapter 4. Miscellaneous Functions of Department of Justice › Part 1. Training Coordinator for County Attorneys › 44-4-102. Appointment

44-4-102. Appointment.
The training coordinator shall be appointed by the attorney general from a list of three names proposed and submitted by the Montana county attorneys' association.
History: En. Sec. 2, Ch. 353, L. 1973; R.C.M. 1947, 82-422.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 44. Law Enforcement › Chapter 4. Miscellaneous Functions of Department of Justice › Part 1. Training Coordinator for County Attorneys › 44-4-103. Functions

44-4-103. Functions.
The training coordinator shall perform the functions assigned by the attorney general. The functions may include but are not limited to the following:
(1) providing local training in current aspects of the criminal law for county attorneys, city attorneys, and other law enforcement personnel. The training coordinator may require payment by city attorneys of a fee commensurate with the cost of the training.
(2) assisting in developing and disseminating standards, procedures, and policies which will insure that criminal laws are applied consistently and uniformly throughout Montana;
(3) consolidating present and past information on important aspects of the criminal law and providing a pool of official opinions, legal briefs, and other relevant criminal law information;
(4) providing assistance with research, briefs, or other technical services requested by a county attorney or law enforcement official;
(5) applying for and disbursing federal funds available to aid the prosecutorial function; and
(6) as provided in 44-4-111, acting as special counsel.
History: En. Sec. 3, Ch. 353, L. 1973; R.C.M. 1947, 82-423; amd. Sec. 25, Ch. 7, L. 1979; amd. Sec. 1, Ch. 7, L. 1983; amd. Sec. 1, Ch. 291, L. 1983.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 44. Law Enforcement › Chapter 4. Miscellaneous Functions of Department of Justice › Part 1. Training Coordinator for County Attorneys › 44-4-111. Request for special counsel services

44-4-111. Request for special counsel services.
(1) Except as provided in subsection (2), the training coordinator may act as special counsel upon request of the county attorney with the approval of the governing body of a county.
(2) If a case involves the prosecution of a member of the governing body of a county or a person related to a member by consanguinity within the fourth degree or affinity within the second degree, the coordinator may, with the consent of the attorney general, act as special counsel upon request of the county attorney without approval of the governing body of the county.
History: En. Sec. 2, Ch. 7, L. 1983; amd. Sec. 1623, Ch. 56, L. 2009.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 44. Law Enforcement › Chapter 4. Miscellaneous Functions of Department of Justice › Part 1. Training Coordinator for County Attorneys › 44-4-112. County payment for special counsel services

44-4-112. County payment for special counsel services.
Whenever the training coordinator acts as special counsel as provided in 44-4-111, the department of justice shall charge the county a reasonable hourly fee for the training coordinator's services. Upon receipt of payment for these services, the department shall deposit these funds into the state general fund.
History: En. Sec. 3, Ch. 7, L. 1983.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 44. Law Enforcement › Chapter 4. Miscellaneous Functions of Department of Justice › Part 1. Training Coordinator for County Attorneys › 44-4-115. Fish, wildlife, and parks enforcement program

44-4-115. Fish, wildlife, and parks enforcement program.
There is a fish, wildlife, and parks enforcement program in the department of justice, which must be administered by the entity in the department that assists county attorneys with prosecutions. The program staff may investigate and may prosecute criminal cases concerning the violation of the laws administered by the department of fish, wildlife, and parks. The program is under the supervision and control of the attorney general and consists of a half-time attorney licensed to practice law in Montana who may prosecute, or assist county attorneys and the department in the prosecution of, criminal violations of Title 87.
History: En. Sec. 1, Ch. 246, L. 2001.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 44. Law Enforcement › Chapter 4. Miscellaneous Functions of Department of Justice › Part 2. Confidential License Plates and Registrations › 44-4-201. Authorization to issue confidential plates and registrations

44-4-201. Authorization to issue confidential plates and registrations.
(1) The attorney general may issue confidential license plates and certificates of registration to bona fide law enforcement agencies, except the highway patrol, within the state of Montana.
(2) The attorney general may issue confidential license plates and certificates of registration for purposes other than law enforcement.
(3) Confidential license plates and certificates of registration are exempt from all requirements for public disclosure.
(4) The issuance of confidential registrations is subject to the provisions of this part.
History: En. 82-424 by Sec. 1, Ch. 90, L. 1975; R.C.M. 1947, 82-424(part); amd. Sec. 1, Ch. 653, L. 1989.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 44. Law Enforcement › Chapter 4. Miscellaneous Functions of Department of Justice › Part 2. Confidential License Plates and Registrations › 44-4-202. Authority of attorney general to adopt rules

44-4-202. Authority of attorney general to adopt rules.
The attorney general may adopt rules necessary to implement the provisions of this part and to prevent the abuse or misuse of confidential registration plates.
History: En. 82-424 by Sec. 1, Ch. 90, L. 1975; R.C.M. 1947, 82-424(7).
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 44. Law Enforcement › Chapter 4. Miscellaneous Functions of Department of Justice › Part 2. Confidential License Plates and Registrations › 44-4-203. Registration records

44-4-203. Registration records.
(1) The registration records of each vehicle registered must be maintained by the department of justice.
(2) The contents of confidential registration records may be disclosed only at the discretion of the attorney general when there is a legitimate law enforcement purpose for disclosure.
History: En. 82-424 by Sec. 1, Ch. 90, L. 1975; R.C.M. 1947, 82-424(4), (5); amd. Sec. 11, Ch. 416, L. 1999.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 44. Law Enforcement › Chapter 4. Miscellaneous Functions of Department of Justice › Part 2. Confidential License Plates and Registrations › 44-4-204. Applications for confidential plates and registrations

44-4-204. Applications for confidential plates and registrations.
Applications by law enforcement agencies operating within the state must be made to the attorney general on a form and in a manner prescribed by the attorney general.
History: En. 82-424 by Sec. 1, Ch. 90, L. 1975; R.C.M. 1947, 82-424(1).
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 44. Law Enforcement › Chapter 4. Miscellaneous Functions of Department of Justice › Part 2. Confidential License Plates and Registrations › 44-4-205. Use of confidential plates and registrations

44-4-205. Use of confidential plates and registrations.
(1) Such license plates and registrations may be displayed and used only during and in the furtherance of official law enforcement investigations or for purposes as authorized in 44-4-201(2).
(2) Such confidential plates and certificates of registration may be used outside the state by federal agencies and state agencies upon application to the attorney general.
History: En. 82-424 by Sec. 1, Ch. 90, L. 1975; R.C.M. 1947, 82-424(2), (3); amd. Sec. 2, Ch. 653, L. 1989.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 44. Law Enforcement › Chapter 4. Miscellaneous Functions of Department of Justice › Part 2. Confidential License Plates and Registrations › 44-4-206. Revocation

44-4-206. Revocation.
Registrations under this part may be revoked at any time by the attorney general. On delivery of notice of revocation, the registrant shall, within 24 hours, deliver the license plates and certificate of registration to the attorney general or an appointed agent.
History: En. 82-424 by Sec. 1, Ch. 90, L. 1975; R.C.M. 1947, 82-424(6); amd. Sec. 1624, Ch. 56, L. 2009.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 44. Law Enforcement › Chapter 4. Miscellaneous Functions of Department of Justice › Part 3. Board of Crime Control (Renumbered, Repealed, and Terminated) › 44-4-301. Renumbered 44-7-101

44-4-301. Renumbered 44-7-101.
Sec. 25(4), Ch. 384, L. 2017.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 44. Law Enforcement › Chapter 4. Miscellaneous Functions of Department of Justice › Part 3. Board of Crime Control (Renumbered, Repealed, and Terminated) › 44-4-302. Repealed

44-4-302. Repealed.
Sec. 20, Ch. 506, L. 2007.
History: En. Sec. 2, Ch. 345, L. 1989; amd. Sec. 5, Ch. 58, L. 1991; amd. Sec. 2, Ch. 315, L. 1999; amd. Sec. 2, Ch. 469, L. 1999; amd. Sec. 3, Ch. 316, L. 2003; amd. Sec. 6, Ch. 366, L. 2005.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 44. Law Enforcement › Chapter 4. Miscellaneous Functions of Department of Justice › Part 3. Board of Crime Control (Renumbered, Repealed, and Terminated) › 44-4-303. Terminated

44-4-303. Terminated.
Secs. 3, 6, Ch. 160, L. 2001.
History: En. Sec. 1, Ch. 469, L. 1999; amd. Sec. 1, Ch. 160, L. 2001.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 44. Law Enforcement › Chapter 4. Miscellaneous Functions of Department of Justice › Part 3. Board of Crime Control (Renumbered, Repealed, and Terminated) › 44-4-304. Terminated

44-4-304. Terminated.
Sec. 6, Ch. 160, L. 2001.
History: En. Sec. 2, Ch. 160, L. 2001.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 44. Law Enforcement › Chapter 4. Miscellaneous Functions of Department of Justice › Part 3. Board of Crime Control (Renumbered, Repealed, and Terminated) › 44-4-305. Renumbered 41-5-1808

44-4-305. Renumbered 41-5-1808.
Sec. 23(3), Ch. 506, L. 2007.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 44. Law Enforcement › Chapter 4. Miscellaneous Functions of Department of Justice › Part 3. Board of Crime Control (Renumbered, Repealed, and Terminated) › 44-4-310. Renumbered 44-7-202

44-4-310. Renumbered 44-7-202.
Sec. 25(4), Ch. 384, L. 2017.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 44. Law Enforcement › Chapter 4. Miscellaneous Functions of Department of Justice › Part 3. Board of Crime Control (Renumbered, Repealed, and Terminated) › 44-4-311. Renumbered 44-7-201

44-4-311. Renumbered 44-7-201.
Sec. 25(4), Ch. 384, L. 2017.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 44. Law Enforcement › Chapter 4. Miscellaneous Functions of Department of Justice › Part 3. Board of Crime Control (Renumbered, Repealed, and Terminated) › 44-4-312. Renumbered 44-7-203

44-4-312. Renumbered 44-7-203.
Sec. 25(4), Ch. 384, L. 2017.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 44. Law Enforcement › Chapter 4. Miscellaneous Functions of Department of Justice › Part 3. Board of Crime Control (Renumbered, Repealed, and Terminated) › 44-4-313. Renumbered 44-7-204

44-4-313. Renumbered 44-7-204.
Sec. 25(4), Ch. 384, L. 2017.