Study resolution examining the effects of public safety communications on extreme weather responses

HJ 57 is a study resolution requesting an interim committee to examine Montana's statewide public safety communications system, which supports first responders during extreme weather and disasters. The study will assess the system's effectiveness, funding needs (including a projected 2027 shortfall), interoperability with local/tribal/federal systems, and future upgrades like FBI-required encryption. It will report findings to the 70th Legislature by September 2026, focusing on how the system serves over 12,000 users across 74 towers and 15 dispatch centers. The resolution does not change laws but aims to inform future policy decisions.