Criminal Justice

died · Montana · House May 20, 2025

HB 609: Establish criminal offense of abortion trafficking

HB 609 sought to establish the criminal offense of "abortion trafficking." It would prohibit any person from purposely or knowingly transporting an unborn child from Montana, either within or outside the state, to obtain an abortion that is illegal under Montana law. Individuals convicted of this offense could face fines up to $1,000, imprisonment for up to five years, or both. The bill also included a provision allowing penalties to be imposed against the mother of an unborn child for violating this specific trafficking offense, which is an exception to general prohibitions against penalizing women for abortion-related acts.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeExpands criminalization by creating new offense for abortion-related transport, increasing penalties under criminal law.95% confidence ✗ HealthcareOpposes HealthcareRestricts abortion access by criminalizing transportation for illegal abortions, directly limiting a healthcare service under Montana law.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Human Trafficking Women's Health

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signed · Montana · House May 5, 2025

HB 344: Revise criminal laws.

HB 344 establishes a new type of driving under the influence (DUI) offense. This offense applies to both noncommercial and commercial drivers found to have a specified amount of prohibited substances, other than alcohol or marijuana, in their blood or other bodily fluids while operating a vehicle. The bill amends existing laws regarding drug concentration standards, driver rehabilitation program eligibility, and penalties for driving with a suspended or revoked license to incorporate this new offense.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill creates new DUI offense for drugs (non-alcohol/marijuana), expanding criminalization. This aligns with 'oppose' indicator of expanding criminalization.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Drug Policy

introduced · Montana · Legislature Mar 28, 2025

LC 4220: Authorize transfers and other necessary measures to implement HB2 Section D

This bill (LC 4220) implements provisions from House Bill 2 by amending Montana law to increase district court judge staffing in specific judicial districts (e.g., adding judges to the 2nd, 7th, 16th, 20th, and 21st districts). It requires the Department of Corrections to submit quarterly reports on electronic communications at Montana State Prison, including blocked messages and system audit results. The bill also directs two interim committees to study offender re-entry services (to assess costs, programs, and recidivism) and legal services consolidation (to compare pay rates and propose a unified legal services unit). These studies must conclude by September 2026 with recommendations for the next legislative session. Additionally, it updates legal representation requirements for indigent parents in child abuse and neglect cases.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeIncreases court staffing, mandates prison communication oversight, and studies re-entry services - directly advancing criminal justice reform through improved oversight and rehabilitation focus.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Judges

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introduced · Montana · Legislature Apr 22, 2025

LC 4342: Interim study of the Montana state hospital

This joint resolution (LC 4342) requests an interim study of the Montana State Hospital and patient transition issues. It directs a committee or staff to examine how to refocus the hospital on forensic/civil commitments, expand community treatment teams, leverage existing programs, explore alternatives to court-ordered evaluations, and compare costs of hospital beds versus community care. The study must be completed by September 15, 2026, and its findings reported to the 70th Legislature. The resolution does not change current law but seeks to address challenges in patient placement and community support systems.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeStudies refocusing Montana State Hospital on forensic commitments and community care alternatives, aligning with criminal justice reform goals to reduce institutional reliance and improve treatment pathways.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts

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died · Montana · Senate May 23, 2025

SB 425: Prohibit incarceration of certain inmates out of state

SB 425 prohibits Montana's Department of Corrections from sending inmates to out-of-state facilities if they have a child under 13 living in Montana, unless parental rights have been terminated or the incarceration is for a sexual offense. This directly affects incarcerated individuals with young children residing in Montana who might otherwise be transferred out of state. The bill amends existing law to add this restriction as a new condition for out-of-state confinement contracts. It does not change current practices for inmates with no minor children in Montana or those with terminated parental rights. The bill died in committee in May 2025 and did not become law.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRestricts out-of-state incarceration for inmates with young children in Montana, promoting family unity and aligning with criminal justice reform goals of reducing negative impacts and improving reintegration.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections

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died · Montana · House May 20, 2025

HB 870: Revise laws related to surplus revenue

HB 870 proposed to allocate surplus state revenues. It aimed to provide a one-time-only appropriation of $120,000 from the general fund to the Department of Justice. This funding was intended to address recruitment and retention challenges at the Montana State Crime Lab. The appropriation was designated for the fiscal years beginning July 1, 2025, and July 1, 2026, with any unexpended funds reverting to the general fund.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesAllocates surplus funds to fund Crime Lab recruitment/retention, promoting fiscal responsibility through targeted spending with unspent funds reverting to general fund.95% confidence ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeFunds Montana State Crime Lab recruitment/retention, directly supporting criminal justice infrastructure and operations.95% confidence

Sub-Topics State Budget

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signed · Montana · House May 19, 2025

HB 514: Criminalize use of real and digitally fabricated sexually explicit images

HB 514 revises Montana's privacy in communications laws, specifically targeting the non-consensual use of sexually explicit images. The bill makes it an offense to publish, distribute, or disclose real or "digitally fabricated" sexually explicit images of an identifiable person without their consent, especially with intent to harm or extort. It also criminalizes possessing and threatening to disclose such images to obtain money or valuables. "Digitally fabricated" is defined as media created using technical means, like artificial intelligence, to falsely depict an individual engaging in sexual conduct. Penalties for these offenses range from a misdemeanor for a first conviction to a felony for subsequent convictions.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill criminalizes non-consensual sharing of explicit images, expanding criminalization scope. Aligns with 'oppose' indicator of expanded criminalization.85% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyCriminalizes non-consensual distribution of explicit images (including digitally fabricated), strengthening data privacy protections under Information Technology subjects.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Artificial Intelligence

died · Montana · Senate May 23, 2025

SB 370: Generally revise laws related to jury duty

SB 370 increases daily compensation for Montana jurors: $25-$60 per day for attending jury duty and an additional $25-$60 per day if selected for a specific case. It directly affects individuals summoned for jury service in criminal cases, providing higher pay than current rates. The bill establishes a funding mechanism where counties submit invoices to the Office of Court Administrator for reimbursement of these costs. This replaces the existing fee structure under Section 3-15-201, MCA, specifically for criminal trials or settlements requiring jury service.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeIncreases juror compensation for criminal cases, improving court operations and access to fair trials - key aspects of criminal justice reform.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts

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introduced · Montana · Legislature Apr 17, 2025

LC 2098: Interim study of youth and family behavioral health prevention

This bill (LC 2098) is a joint resolution requesting an interim study of Montana's youth and family behavioral health prevention programs. It directs a temporary committee to examine current funding (federal, state, local, private), system coordination, workforce training, and gaps in services for youth under 18. The study will assess how prevention programs help divert youth from crises like substance use treatment, ER visits, or involvement with justice systems. The committee must collaborate with agencies, tribal governments, schools, and nonprofits to map existing programs, funding streams, and evidence-based practices before reporting findings to the 70th Legislature.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill studies prevention programs to divert youth from justice systems, aligning with criminal justice reform goals of reducing system involvement through early intervention.85% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill initiates study to assess youth behavioral health prevention programs, aiming to strengthen mental health services through better funding assessment and system coordination.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Mental Health

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died · Montana · Legislature May 20, 2025

LC 659: Revising civil actions for constitutional rights violations

Montana's LC 659 creates a new civil lawsuit pathway for individuals whose constitutional rights (under Article II of the Montana Constitution) are violated by public officials acting in their official capacity. It allows people to sue for financial compensation and penalties in district court, with the right to a jury trial and recovery of attorney fees if they win. Key exceptions include police arrests with probable cause, normal judicial actions, lawful incarceration, parole decisions, jury service, testimony, and legislative acts. The bill defines "public official" broadly to cover government employees and agents, including federal or foreign officials acting under government authority. It does not affect ongoing cases or rights that existed before the law takes effect.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeCreates civil remedy for constitutional rights violations by officials, enhancing police accountability and protecting civil rights under criminal justice framework.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Policing Probation & Parole Tags Civil Liberties

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