HB 408 Montana House · 2025 Regular Session

Revise laws to protect children from obscene content through electronic devices

HB 408 requires all smartphones and tablets activated in Montana after January 1, 2026, to include automatic filters blocking obscene content for minors (under 18). Manufacturers face civil liability if filters fail to activate for minors, while parents/guardians can sue manufacturers for damages if filters are disabled by others (excluding parents). The bill mandates age verification during device setup, automatic filter activation for minors, and penalties up to $50,000 per violation for noncompliance. The bill died in the legislative process on May 22, 2025, and never became law.

Issues: ✓ Technology

Bill status died 4 of 5 stages cleared

Introduction

Feb 2025

Committee Review

Mar 2025

House Passage

Feb 2025

Senate Passage

Apr 2025

Governor

Introduced Feb 6, 2025 Last action May 22, 2025

Maddy AI version diff · 3 comparisons

What changed between versions

HB0408_2(3).pdf → HB0408_2(4).pdf · 4 edits

MODERATE

The bill was reorganized to add a new section granting the attorney general the power to sue violators. This includes the ability to seek court orders to stop violations and to recover civil penalties of up to $5,000 per violation (capped at $50,000 total), along with legal fees and other costs.

Scope change

The bill now explicitly authorizes the attorney general to initiate legal proceedings against individuals who violate the statute, expanding enforcement capabilities.

ENFORCEMENT

Added authority for the attorney general to file lawsuits in court against violators.

Added the power to seek temporary restraining orders or permanent injunctions to stop violations.

Added the ability to recover civil penalties of up to $5,000 per violation, with a maximum aggregate penalty of $50,000.

Added authority to recover reasonable legal expenses, investigative costs, and attorney fees.

Floor votes · Senate Apr 25, 2025 · House Feb 27, 2025

How they voted

32–17

Passed · 1 other

Total votes 50

Apr 25, 2025

D Democratic18

13 Yea 5 Nay

72% Yea

R Republican32

19 Yea 12 Nay 1

59% Yea

Vote distribution

All Yea All Nay Mixed No data

Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Amendments

Apr 25, 2025

Senate · Passed

Senate Vote: pass (32-17-1)

senate

Apr 8, 2025

Amended

(S) Tabled in Committee - (S) Judiciary

upper

Mar 1, 2025

Committee

(S) Referred to Committee - (S) Judiciary

upper

Feb 27, 2025

House · Passed

House Vote: pass (90-8-2)

house

Feb 24, 2025

Lower · Passed

(H) Committee Report - (H) Judiciary

lower

Feb 24, 2025

Lower · Passed

(H) Committee Executive Action - (H) Judiciary

lower

Feb 7, 2025

Committee

(H) Referred to Committee - (H) Judiciary

lower

Feb 6, 2025

Introduced

(H) Introduced

lower

1 primary · 0 co-sponsors