Criminal Justice (Policing)

introduced · Montana · Legislature Dec 30, 2024

LC 2712: Revise electronic license privacy law

This bill amends Montana's electronic license privacy law to clarify that showing an electronic driver's license on a device does not allow police to search the device. The change directly affects drivers who use digital licenses and law enforcement officers who may request access to a phone during traffic stops. By explicitly stating that displaying the license is not consent to search, the legislation protects the privacy of data stored on personal electronic devices. This update ensures that law enforcement must still obtain proper legal authority before accessing a driver's phone beyond the license display itself.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill protects civil rights by limiting police search authority during traffic stops, enhancing accountability and privacy in criminal justice interactions.90% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill protects digital privacy by clarifying that displaying an e-license doesn't consent to device searches, strengthening consumer data rights.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Policing Data Privacy

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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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died · Montana · Senate May 23, 2025

SB 127: Providing for attorney fees and costs in certain justifiable use of force cases

SB 127, introduced in Montana, would have allowed individuals to defend themselves against serious crimes like assault, robbery, or kidnapping using reasonable force without facing legal jeopardy. The key provision required prosecutors to reimburse defendants for attorney fees and out-of-pocket costs if they successfully defended themselves in court and were not convicted of the specific charge. This reimbursement would come from the prosecutor’s budget, not the defendant, but only for cases where the self-defense argument succeeded. The bill died in the legislative process after failing its third reading in March 2025 and did not become law.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeReimburses defendants' legal costs in successful self-defense cases, protecting civil rights and reducing financial barriers to defense in criminal court proceedings.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Policing Violent Crime

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introduced · Montana · Legislature Mar 21, 2025

LC 307: Generally revise marijuana tax laws

This bill revises how Montana allocates marijuana tax revenue, directing funds to specific state accounts after covering department operating costs. It requires 10% of excess funds to support addiction treatment programs (HEART account), 20% for wildlife habitat projects, 4% each to state parks/trails, and 31% for law enforcement grants to local police departments. Additional allocations include $300,000 for drug detection canines (ending 2025), 1.5% for sexual assault evidence kits, and 0.25% to homeless shelter support. These changes amend existing tax distribution rules under Montana law, affecting state agencies including wildlife, public health, and law enforcement. The bill does not change marijuana taxation rates but specifies new spending priorities for existing revenue.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesDirectly allocates marijuana tax revenue to specific public services (10% to addiction treatment, 20% wildlife, 31% law enforcement grants) per statutory mandate, advancing fiscal management of tax funds.95% confidence ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeAllocates 10% to addiction treatment (HEART account), supporting rehabilitation and criminal justice reform.80% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentAllocates 20% of marijuana tax revenue to wildlife habitat projects, directly funding environmental conservation under Fish and Wildlife subject.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareDirectly allocates 10% of excess marijuana tax revenue to addiction treatment programs (HEART account), explicitly funding healthcare services related to substance abuse treatment.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Revenue Drug Policy Policing Violent Crime Wildlife Public Health Substance Abuse

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signed · Montana · House May 19, 2025

HB 621: Allow a local first response entity to establish a peer support program

HB 621 allows local first responder entities, including police departments, sheriff's offices, fire departments, and emergency medical service providers, to establish peer support programs. These programs must have a written policy that outlines qualifications for peer supporters, defines peer support sessions, and ensures confidentiality for participants. The bill prohibits qualified peer supporters from testifying about the content of peer support sessions, with exceptions if an employee has committed or plans a crime, or indicates intent to harm themselves or others.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeEnables peer support programs for first responders, enhancing officer well-being and accountability, aligning with criminal justice reform goals.80% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareEnables peer support programs for first responders' mental health, expanding access to mental health services as a core healthcare component.90% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBill establishes mandatory peer support programs for first responders, enhancing workplace mental health and safety protections through confidentiality and written policies, aligning with workplace safety indicators.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Policing

died · Montana · House May 22, 2025

HR 9: Resolution urging President Trump and Governor Walz to pardon Derek Chauvin

This resolution from the Montana House of Representatives urges specific actions regarding Derek Chauvin, a former Minneapolis police officer. It calls on President Donald J. Trump to grant a full pardon for Chauvin's federal convictions and Governor Tim Walz of Minnesota to grant a full pardon for his state convictions. Additionally, the resolution urges the City of Minneapolis to demand the return of the $27 million settlement paid to George Floyd's family. Finally, it requests that Congress and the Minnesota Legislature initiate investigations into the handling of Derek Chauvin's prosecutions.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeUrges pardon for officer convicted in George Floyd's murder, opposing accountability in criminal justice and weakening law enforcement oversight.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Policing

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signed · Montana · House Mar 27, 2025

HB 75: Revise public safety officer certification standards

HB 75 revises Montana's public safety officer certification standards by requiring appointing authorities (like police departments) to ensure officers complete minimum training within one year of hire. It clarifies that officers must take discipline-specific basic courses if no equivalent course exists, and provides exceptions for military duty (pausing the deadline during service) or valid reasons like illness or course access issues. The bill allows up to 180 days for training extensions, considering factors such as family emergencies or staffing shortages. These changes apply broadly to all public safety officers, including those in specialized roles, and aim to standardize certification requirements across disciplines.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRequires new officers to complete mandatory training within one year, enhancing accountability and standards in law enforcement per bill's certification revisions.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement Policing