That will soon change thanks to a new state law.
Brought by Rep. Tyson Running Wolf, D-Browning, House Bill 83 establishes a state special revenue account, allowing the task force to receive donations, grants, gifts and other money for training, equipment and operational expenses. The bill also appropriates $1 in state funding to get the new account started.
HB 83 sailed through the House and Senate and was signed into law Thursday by the governor. It takes effect July 1.
Established by the state Legislature in 2019, the Montana Missing Indigenous Persons Task Force analyzes missing persons data and makes recommendations to the Legislature. The body also oversees a grant that supports tribal colleges in creating missing persons databases. Tribal community members from across the state serve on the task force alongside representatives from local, state and federal law enforcement.
Experts say Montana is an epicenter of the national Missing and Murdered Indigenous People crisis. While Native Americans comprise about 6.7% of Montana’s population, as of Friday they accounted for 24% of the state’s active missing persons population.
* The American Indian Caucus in the 2025 Montana Legislature includes, in the top row, left to right, Director Lance Four Star, Sen. Jonathan Windy Boy, Rep. Mike Fox, Rep. Donavon Hawk, Rep. Tyson Running Wolf, Sen. Jacinda Morigeau, Rep. Frank Smith, and Rep. Sidney “Chip” Fitzpatrick. In the bottom row, left to right, are Rep. Jade Sooktis, Sen. Susan Webber, Rep. Jade Crowe and Sen. Shane Morigeau. Not pictured is Rep. Shelly Fyant.