Representative Tyson Running Wolf introduced House Bill 83 to create a state special revenue account for the Missing Indigenous Persons Task Force so the task force can accept gifts, grants, donations and other assets to support prevention, investigation and coordination efforts related to missing Indigenous people in Montana.

Representative Running Wolf told the committee the task force’s 2023 report recommended a mechanism for receiving funds because the task force currently lacks a way to accept outside donations or grants. Dana Tool, special services bureau chief at the Montana Department of Justice, said the account would allow the department and the task force to accept unsolicited grants and private donations—tools the task force has repeatedly lacked since its creation in 2019. Tool noted the legislature extended the task force through 2033 in 2023 and said a $1 opening balance for the special revenue account is a technical measure to permit deposits from lawful sources.

Multiple tribal organizations and advocacy groups testified in support. The Montana American Indian Caucus, the Blackfeet Tribe, Fort Belknap Indian Community and Rocky Boy Tribe were among those asking for a due pass. Western Native Voice, the Montana Budget & Policy Center, the Montana Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence and representatives of tribal governments described how a state account would let families and organizations contribute and would allow the task force to apply for grants and purchase equipment for searches and investigations.

No opponents registered. Committee members asked clarifying questions about how the account would be used and whether known potential donors exist; witnesses cited prior instances in which foundations had offered funds that the state could not accept because no mechanism existed. The committee took executive action and concurred with the House version of the bill.

Votes at a glance: Senate Judiciary Committee — HB 83, motion to concur with the House passed by voice vote; committee recorded the motion as adopted.