Montana State Legislature

2023-2024 Criminal Justice Oversight Council

Next Scheduled Meeting:

The council’s last scheduled meeting was held on September 9, 2024

Meeting Information

Written Comment

Remote Testimony

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For more information or questions about the Council, please contact staff:

Laura Sherley, Research Analyst

Ania Alduenda, Secretary

The Criminal Justice Oversight Council (CJOC) is an interbranch body with members from all three branches of government, including legislators, Department of Corrections leadership, and criminal justice stakeholders appointed by the Montana Supreme Court, the Attorney General, and the Governor. CJOC oversees implementation of criminal justice legislation, including justice reinvestment, in Montana. The council's statutory duties are in 53-1-216, MCA

Criminal Justice Oversight Council Members, 2023-2024

Committee Members

SENATOR
RYAN LYNCH (D) --Member

SENATOR
CHRIS FRIEDEL (R) --Member

REPRESENTATIVE
AMY REGIER (R) --Member

REPRESENTATIVE
LAURA SMITH (D) --Member

The audio minutes are the official minutes of the committee. Both the video and audio recordings of each meeting are available shortly after the meeting ends. A minutes log will be published later, noting the time at which various items were discussed.

September 9, 2024
Agenda - Minutes - Audio / Video

July 24, 2024 
Agenda - Minutes - Audio / Video

May 13, 2024 (Adjourned early due to power outage)
Agenda - Minutes - Video

May 10, 2024
Agenda -  Minutes - Audio / Video

April 29, 2024
Agenda - Minutes - Audio / Video

April 9, 2024
Agenda - Minutes - Audio / Video

March 19, 2024
Agenda - Minutes - Audio / Video

January 22, 2024
Agenda -  Minutes - Audio / Video

November 2, 2023
Agenda - Minutes - Audio / Video

June 6, 2023
Agenda -  Minutes - Audio / Video

The Criminal Justice Oversight Council is tasked with studying and overseeing criminal justice reform, including justice reinvestment, in Montana. Though it may be assigned legislative studies, there were no studies assigned for the 2023-24 interim.

Council Topics

The statutory duties of the CJOC are outlined in 53-1-216 MCA. The Legislative Services Division provides staff support to the CJOC.

Required Reports to CJOC

Procedure

The Criminal Justice Oversight Council may request legislation to enact changes to the state's criminal justice system that the council finds necessary. (53-1-216, MCA). 

Approved Council Bills

  • CJOC 1: Reporting Requirements for County Attorneys

  • CJOC 2.2: 2025-2026 Data Project Priorities for MBCC

  • CJOC 3.2: Presentence Investigations

  • CJOC 4: Presentence Investigation Special Unit

  • CJOC 5.2: Removal Modification of Probation Conditions