Criminal Justice

introduced · Montana · Legislature Feb 17, 2025

LC 2318: Revise DUI offense penalties for third offense to be a felony

This bill proposes to increase penalties for a third driving under the influence offense in Montana by classifying it as a felony rather than a misdemeanor. The changes directly affect individuals convicted of their third DUI offense, raising the minimum jail time from 30 days to 60 days if a minor passenger was present, and increasing fines from $2,500 to $5,000 minimum. The legislation also maintains existing provisions that allow judges to suspend portions of sentences pending completion of chemical dependency treatment programs while prohibiting home arrest for mandatory minimum terms. Additionally, the bill preserves stricter penalties for cases involving prior felony DUI convictions or aggravated driving under the influence charges.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill increases mandatory sentences and expands criminalization for DUI offenses, restricting defendant rights and strengthening punitive measures.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Sentencing

Track

introduced · Montana · Legislature Feb 19, 2025

LC 1066: Criminalize disclosure of certain explicit AI-generated media

This bill makes it a crime to share explicit AI-generated images or videos of real people without their consent, particularly when the disclosure could cause emotional harm or is done to intimidate or threaten them. It applies to anyone who knowingly or intentionally shares such content, including cases where someone threatens to release it to demand money or other benefits. The law defines "explicit synthetic media" as realistic images or videos created using artificial intelligence that show identifiable individuals in sexual situations they did not actually participate in. Penalties include fines and jail time, with harsher punishments for repeat offenders or cases involving minors, though exceptions exist for reporting crimes, scientific research, and legal proceedings.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill criminalizes non-consensual sharing of explicit AI-generated media, protecting individuals from harm and enhancing legal protections in the digital age.85% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill protects individuals from non-consensual AI-generated explicit media, enhancing digital privacy and cybersecurity by criminalizing harmful content sharing.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Artificial Intelligence

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introduced · Montana · Legislature Feb 20, 2025

LC 2134: Create the crime of human smuggling

This bill creates a new criminal offense called human smuggling in Montana, targeting individuals who knowingly transport or harbor people who entered the United States illegally without federal inspection. Anyone convicted of this crime faces up to 20 years in state prison and fines of up to $400,000, while convicted organizations lose eligibility for certain tax exemptions. The law also allows authorities to seize and forfeit property used in human smuggling, including vehicles, money, and equipment, with proceeds from sales going to crime victims compensation funds. Additionally, the bill amends existing tax exemption laws to clarify how property is classified under current Montana statutes.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill expands criminalization by creating new offense with harsh penalties, increasing mandatory sentencing and restricting due process for those accused of human smuggling.85% confidence ✗ ImmigrationOpposes ImmigrationBill criminalizes human smuggling and increases state immigration enforcement penalties, restricting immigrant access and protections.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Human Trafficking

Track

died · Montana · Senate May 23, 2025

SB 324: Revise vehicle registration fees and allocate revenue for bridges and victims of crime

SB 324 revises vehicle registration fees for high-end vehicles, adding a 1% fee based on the vehicle's manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) for the first year of registration after January 1, 2026, for cars over $150,000 and motorhomes over $300,000. It directly affects owners of these high-value vehicles, replacing a flat annual add-on fee with the percentage-based assessment. Revenue from these fees will fund two specific programs: grants for bridge projects through the Department of Transportation and services for crime victims via the Board of Crime Control. The bill also updates related sections of Montana law governing registration fees and special revenue accounts.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesNew 1% tax on luxury vehicles funds bridges/victims' programs, advancing public service funding without burdening middle/lower income.95% confidence ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeAllocates revenue to fund victims of crime programs, directly supporting criminal justice services per bill's summary.95% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill directs new vehicle registration revenue specifically to fund bridge projects through Department of Transportation, explicitly aligning with highway infrastructure funding under Transportation subject.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Bridges Vehicle Registration

Track

signed · Montana · House May 16, 2025

HB 140: Provide property tax assistance for law enforcement and firefighters injured in the line of duty

House Bill 140 establishes a property tax assistance program for certain first responders and their surviving spouses. It provides a reduction in residential property taxes for law enforcement officers and firefighters who were injured in the line of duty. Unmarried surviving spouses of first responders killed in the line of duty are also eligible for this assistance. The amount of the tax reduction is determined by the applicant's income, with lower incomes receiving a greater benefit. Eligibility requires the property to be the primary residence and the first responder to meet specific criteria related to their line-of-duty injury or death.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesProvides property tax reduction for first responders and spouses, with greater benefit for lower incomes, aligning with tax relief for middle/lower income.95% confidence ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeProvides property tax relief for law enforcement officers injured in duty, directly supporting personnel welfare within criminal justice system.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Property Tax

signed · Montana · Senate Apr 18, 2025

SB 101: Revise laws related to squatting

SB 101 creates new offenses for "unlawful squatting" (entering and staying on property without owner consent) and "fraudulent sale or lease" (advertising property for sale/rent without legal rights). Property owners gain clearer authority to request law enforcement removal of unauthorized occupants, with officers allowed to charge a service fee. Occupants convicted of unlawful squatting face misdemeanor penalties and must pay restitution equal to fair market rent for their stay. The bill also establishes a civil remedy for wrongful removal claims, allowing affected individuals to seek damages and attorney fees.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeCreates new criminal offense for squatting with misdemeanor penalties, expanding criminalization per OPPOSE indicators.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Victims' Rights

introduced · Montana · Legislature Mar 25, 2025

LC 1333: Revise laws related to surplus revenue

This bill appropriates $120,000 from the general fund to the Montana Department of Justice for recruitment and retention efforts at the Montana State Crime Lab, covering the fiscal years starting July 1, 2025, and July 1, 2026. The funds are designated as a one-time-only appropriation, meaning they cannot be reused in future budgets. Any unspent funds must revert to the general fund by the end of the fiscal period. The bill takes effect on July 1, 2025, and directly affects the Montana State Crime Lab's staffing resources.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeFunds Montana State Crime Lab recruitment/retention, directly supporting law enforcement operations within criminal justice system.90% confidence

Track

died · Montana · Senate May 23, 2025

SB 164: Revise offense of endangering the welfare of children

SB 164 amends Montana's endangering the welfare of children law to prohibit specific medical treatments for children under 16. The bill bans surgical procedures, puberty blockers, and hormone therapies (like estrogen or testosterone) when used to alter a child's appearance or affirm a gender identity inconsistent with their biological sex. Violating this prohibition is classified as a felony, carrying up to five years in prison and a $10,000 fine, with harsher penalties if the child suffers serious injury. The law would take effect on January 1, 2026, directly affecting medical providers, caregivers, and children under 16 who might receive these treatments.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill expands criminalization by classifying medical treatments as felony offenses, increasing penalties for specific acts. Aligns with OPPOSE indicators: expands criminalization.95% confidence ✗ HealthcareOpposes HealthcareBill bans gender-affirming medical treatments (surgery, puberty blockers, hormone therapy) for minors, restricting access to healthcare services under the guise of child welfare.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections

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signed · Montana · House Apr 7, 2025

HB 191: Revise crime of endangering welfare of child

HB 191 amends Montana law to create a new offense for knowingly committing domestic violence (defined as assaults under sections 45-5-202, 45-5-206, 45-5-213, or 45-5-215 against a partner or family member) while a child under 18 is present. This directly affects individuals who commit domestic violence near children, adding a separate misdemeanor charge for the child-witnessing aspect. The law specifies that "in the presence of a child" means the child is physically present or the perpetrator knows the child may see/hear the violence. A conviction carries a fine of $100-$1,000 and/or up to 1 year in jail. This amendment does not change existing domestic violence penalties but creates an additional charge specifically for incidents involving children.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeCreates new misdemeanor offense for domestic violence near children, strengthening legal accountability and protection for minors under criminal justice framework.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Domestic Violence

signed · Montana · House May 5, 2025

HB 493: Establish the crime of possession of stolen firearm or ammunition

HB 493 establishes a new criminal offense for the purposeful and knowing possession, receipt, concealment, storage, sale, or disposal of a stolen firearm or stolen ammunition. Individuals convicted of possessing a stolen firearm may face imprisonment in state prison for up to 10 years. The bill also amends existing law to allow youths aged 16 or older accused of this new offense to be tried in adult court. Additionally, it includes possession of a stolen firearm or ammunition in the definition of offenses that can constitute a "pattern of criminal street gang activity."

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeCreates new felony with 10-year prison term for stolen firearm possession, expands criminalization, and allows 16+ youth to be tried as adults, increasing penalties and restricting defendant rights.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Drug Policy Firearms