53-1-701. Findings -- purpose. (1) The legislature finds that the implementation of a system using a single, easy-to-use telephone number, 2-1-1, for public access to information and referral for safety, health, or human services and for information about access to services after a disaster or emergency will benefit the citizens of the state of Montana by providing easier access to available services, by efficiently connecting people with the desired service providers, and by reducing duplication of efforts.

(2) The legislature finds that a statewide 2-1-1 system will facilitate public access to information and referral for safety, health, and human services and for disaster or emergency prevention or response information and will make our state's communities safer, stronger, and better-prepared to respond to threats of domestic and international terrorism and domestic emergency situations of all natures.

(3) The purposes of this part are to:

(a) establish an implementation plan for a statewide 2-1-1 system to provide public access to information and referral for disaster, emergency, safety, health, and human services;

(b) ensure that the system is free from undue political interference and conflicts of interest;

(c) provide that 2-1-1 services are delivered by qualified and competent agencies in a manner that is fair and consistent throughout the state;

(d) establish a system that utilizes state employees, contracted services, or other methods of providing services in a manner that is responsive to and respective of regional and community needs and interests as funding allows; and

(e) ensure that funding of the statewide 2-1-1 system is provided and managed in a fiscally responsible manner.