Criminal Justice

introduced · Montana · Legislature Feb 22, 2025

LC 2851: Generally revise laws related to determination and restoration of fitness in criminal proceedings

This bill revises Montana laws governing fitness determinations in criminal cases, involuntary medication procedures, and contempt of court definitions. It clarifies specific acts that constitute contempt, including interference with court proceedings and witness obligations, while adding protections for facilities that cannot admit patients due to lack of beds or missing medical records. The legislation also updates commitment procedures for individuals requiring examination and establishes rules for involuntary medication administration. Additionally, it modifies how state funding covers certain district court expenses and grants rulemaking authority to relevant agencies.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill clarifies contempt definitions and adds protections for facilities, improving procedural fairness in criminal proceedings and protecting civil rights.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts

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introduced · Montana · Legislature Feb 20, 2025

LC 1594: Generally revise protection order laws

This bill creates a new legal process in Montana called an extreme risk order of protection, which allows law enforcement officers or family members to petition a court to temporarily remove firearms from individuals who pose a significant risk of causing personal injury to themselves or others. The law requires petitioners to file a sworn affidavit detailing specific actions or statements that indicate a threat of violence, along with information about any firearms the respondent may possess. If granted, the order prohibits the respondent from owning, purchasing, or possessing firearms and mandates the surrender of any weapons in their custody, while also revoking any concealed weapon permits they hold. The bill establishes procedures for filing petitions in district courts, including provisions for emergency ex parte orders without prior notice in certain situations, and requires courts to provide standardized forms and resources to petitioners without charging filing fees.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill strengthens public safety by enabling firearm removal from high-risk individuals, reducing potential harm and supporting crime prevention within criminal justice framework.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Law Enforcement

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introduced · Montana · Legislature Jan 7, 2025

LC 1914: Provide property tax assistance for law enforcement and firefighters injured in the line of duty

This bill provides property tax assistance for law enforcement officers and firefighters who are injured in the line of duty, as well as for the surviving spouses of those killed in the line of duty. It establishes income-based tax rate reductions for the primary residences of eligible individuals, with lower income earners receiving greater percentage reductions on their property taxes. The legislation also expands the state's rulemaking authority to define eligibility requirements and implement annual income verification processes to ensure ongoing compliance with the program's criteria.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill provides property tax assistance and income-based tax rate reductions for injured law enforcement and firefighters, directly supporting fiscal relief for public service workers.90% confidence ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill provides financial assistance and tax relief to law enforcement officers injured in line of duty, strengthening support for criminal justice personnel.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Business Taxes Property Tax

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introduced · Montana · Legislature Feb 6, 2025

LC 2087: Revise domestic violence intervention grant requirements

This bill updates how Montana funds domestic violence intervention programs by allowing the state Board of Crime Control to issue grants to communities for probation officers who monitor court-ordered requirements for offenders charged with partner or family member assault, strangulation, or violations of protection orders. It also permits grants to courts for implementing offender intervention programs that meet specific state standards. The legislation requires the board to set funding priorities, track how organizations spend the money, and evaluate the effectiveness of the services provided. These changes apply to community organizations and courts that receive state funding to support domestic violence prevention and offender compliance efforts.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill funds domestic violence intervention programs and probation monitoring for offenders, strengthening criminal justice response to violence.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Domestic Violence Probation & Parole Violent Crime

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introduced · Montana · Legislature Dec 5, 2024

LC 727: Generally revise laws related to child abuse and neglect investigations

This bill requires that child protection specialists, peace officers, or county attorneys obtain a court warrant before removing a child from their home, except in cases of imminent risk of sexual or physical abuse where waiting for a warrant would be too dangerous. The law mandates that an abuse and neglect petition be filed within 72 hours after an emergency removal, and warrants must be executed within 10 days of issuance. Additionally, the bill establishes a voluntary registry to notify close relatives when a child is removed from their home and updates state policy to emphasize that forced removal should only occur when there is reasonable cause to suspect imminent harm.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill enhances child protection oversight by requiring warrants for removals and establishing accountability timelines, strengthening judicial process and law enforcement accountability in child abuse cases.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Tags Children

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introduced · Montana · Legislature Jan 25, 2025

LC 1830: Revise temporary investigative authority of department of health and human services in child abuse and neglect cases

This bill amends Montana law to clarify that the Department of Public Health and Human Services cannot remove children from their homes while exercising temporary investigative authority in child abuse or neglect cases. The legislation limits temporary investigative orders to a maximum of 90 days and requires the department to seek separate emergency protective services court orders if child removal becomes necessary. This change ensures that investigations into suspected abuse or neglect do not automatically result in taking children into custody, separating the investigative process from removal decisions. The bill directly affects child welfare workers, legal professionals, and families involved in child protection proceedings by defining the scope of temporary court orders more clearly.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill strengthens child protection by clarifying investigative authority limits and requiring court oversight for removals, enhancing due process in juvenile cases.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts

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introduced · Montana · Legislature Feb 17, 2025

LC 2314: Revise DUI laws to include controlled substances

This bill updates Montana's driving under the influence laws to explicitly include driving while impaired by controlled substances alongside alcohol. It directly affects all drivers in the state by expanding the definition of DUI to cover situations where a person is under the influence of alcohol and a controlled substance, as well as establishing specific THC blood concentration thresholds for marijuana impairment. The legislation creates new legal inferences for courts to use during trials, allowing blood alcohol levels of 0.08 or higher to be considered evidence of impairment, while maintaining the ability to present other evidence. Penalties for violations include fines ranging from $600 to $10,000 and jail time from 24 hours to one year, with stricter consequences for repeat offenders and those transporting passengers under 16.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill strengthens DUI laws by expanding controlled substance coverage, enhancing public safety and law enforcement effectiveness in criminal justice system.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Drug Policy

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introduced · Montana · Legislature Feb 25, 2025

LC 1984: Generally revise laws related to sexual assault kits

This bill revises Montana laws regarding payment for sexual assault medical forensic examinations by establishing a dedicated state fund to cover costs when local law enforcement agencies cannot pay. The new sexual assault medical forensic examination fund will reimburse medical providers up to $800 per examination for victims of alleged sexual offenses, with excess marijuana tax revenue funding the account. Additionally, the bill modifies how surplus marijuana tax funds are distributed, directing a portion to the new examination fund and clarifying the restorative justice fund's sources and uses. These changes shift financial responsibility from local law enforcement to the state for certain forensic examinations while maintaining oversight through the Department of Justice.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill establishes dedicated state fund using marijuana tax revenue to reimburse medical providers for sexual assault examinations, advancing state budget management and funding essential public services.90% confidence ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill establishes funding for sexual assault forensic exams, improving access to justice and victim support services within criminal justice system.90% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill establishes dedicated state fund to cover costs of sexual assault medical forensic examinations, increasing access to healthcare services for victims.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Revenue Drug Policy Violent Crime

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introduced · Montana · Legislature Jan 28, 2025

LC 3968: Revise penalties for criminal trespass while fishing, trapping, hunting, or collecting antlers/sheds/horns

This bill amends Montana law to require the revocation of hunting, fishing, and trapping privileges for up to 24 months when someone commits criminal trespass while engaged in these activities or collecting antlers, sheds, or horns. The change directly affects hunters, anglers, trappers, and wildlife collectors who unlawfully enter property owned by the Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Parks or any other property while participating in these activities. Under the new provisions, individuals convicted of such trespassing offenses will face standard criminal penalties plus the loss of their state-issued hunting and fishing licenses for the specified period. The amendment applies to violations charged on or after the effective date of the act.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill strengthens penalties for criminal trespass in wildlife contexts, enhancing law enforcement accountability and protecting property rights.85% confidence

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introduced · Montana · Legislature Feb 19, 2025

LC 2296: Allow a local first response entity to establish a peer support program

This bill allows police departments, sheriff's offices, fire departments, and emergency medical services in Montana to create peer support programs for their staff and volunteers. It requires these programs to have written policies covering supporter qualifications, session guidelines, confidentiality rules, and protections against discrimination or forced participation by supervisors. The legislation also establishes that peer support sessions are confidential and prohibits qualified supporters from testifying about what occurs during those sessions, with exceptions only for situations involving imminent harm or criminal activity.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill establishes peer support programs for law enforcement, enhancing officer well-being and accountability, which aligns with criminal justice reform goals.85% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill establishes peer support programs for first responders, addressing mental health and wellness through structured support systems with confidentiality protections.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Civil Rights Policing

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