Criminal Justice

introduced · Montana · Legislature Feb 10, 2025

LC 3066: Amending the constitution to provide for electors of a county to call a grand jury

This bill proposes a constitutional amendment to allow registered voters in any Montana county to petition for the summoning of a grand jury through a signed petition. If 100 plus one-half of one percent of registered electors in a county sign the petition, the district court judge must summon and impanel a grand jury to investigate the issues raised by the petitioners. The amendment also requires county attorneys to prosecute any indictment issued by such a grand jury within 90 days, with penalties for failure to do so, and allows the grand jury to seek assistance from the attorney general or hire independent counsel if needed. If approved by Montana voters in the November 2026 general election, this change would modify Article II, Section 20 of the state constitution to add this citizen-initiated grand jury process.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill strengthens grand jury process by allowing citizen-initiated investigations, enhancing oversight and accountability in criminal justice system through increased judicial scrutiny of prosecutorial actions.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Judges

Track

introduced · Montana · Legislature Feb 24, 2025

LC 2131: Generally revise laws relating to incarceration

This bill creates a new Office of Reentry Services within Montana's Department of Labor and Industry to coordinate support for people leaving prison. The office will work with various state agencies, businesses, and community organizations to expand job training, housing assistance, healthcare access, and education programs for formerly incarcerated individuals. It requires the office to submit an annual report detailing the services provided, costs incurred, and the number of people served to the legislative committees.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill creates Office of Reentry Services to support formerly incarcerated individuals through job training, housing, healthcare, and education, directly promoting rehabilitation and reducing recidivism.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill creates Office of Reentry Services that includes housing assistance for formerly incarcerated individuals, directly supporting housing access for a vulnerable population.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Probation & Parole

Track

introduced · Montana · Legislature Feb 18, 2025

LC 758: Generally revise contempt of court laws

This bill revises Montana's contempt of court laws to clarify when certain actions do not constitute contempt and to strengthen procedural protections for individuals facing contempt charges. It specifically states that violating a gag order is not contempt if the person is asserting First Amendment rights without intentionally violating someone's privacy, and that criticizing court proceedings is not contempt if it alleges the court violated the law or constitution. The legislation also requires jury trials for contempt cases involving potential incarceration beyond three days, prohibits holding non-attorney laypersons in contempt under certain circumstances, and increases the maximum fine for contempt from $500 to higher amounts. Additionally, the bill allows laypersons to appear with plaintiffs or defendants in court to provide legal information and establishes specific procedures for challenging contempt orders.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill strengthens procedural protections for contempt charges and protects First Amendment rights, advancing civil liberties within the judicial system.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Courts

Track

introduced · Montana · Legislature Nov 18, 2024

LC 240: Generally revise laws related to presentence investigations

This bill updates Montana laws governing presentence investigations and reports used in criminal sentencing. It primarily affects judges, prosecutors, defense attorneys, and probation officers by clarifying when these investigations must be ordered and how plea agreements are handled. Key changes include allowing plea discussions via two-way electronic audio-video communication, requiring courts to order mental health evaluations when defendants claim mental illness affected their behavior, and setting a 30-day deadline for completing preliminary or final investigation reports after a guilty plea or verdict. The legislation also defines specific circumstances under which presentence investigations are required for felony convictions.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill improves presentence investigation processes, allows electronic plea discussions, and requires mental health evaluations, enhancing fairness and rehabilitation in criminal justice.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Probation & Parole Sentencing

Track

introduced · Montana · Legislature Feb 24, 2025

LC 4067: Require Corrections to consider inmate family connections during placement

This bill requires Montana's Department of Corrections to consider an inmate's family connections when transferring them to correctional facilities outside the state. The law mandates that officials evaluate both the strength of an inmate's family attachments and their ability to maintain those relationships during out-of-state placements. This change applies specifically to inmates being moved to institutions in other states, ensuring family ties are factored into placement decisions. The bill amends existing Montana Code Annotated provisions regarding inmate population management and out-of-state contracts while adding this new consideration requirement.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill promotes rehabilitation by considering family connections during inmate placement, potentially reducing recidivism and supporting family ties.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections

Track

introduced · Montana · Legislature Jan 15, 2025

LC 28: Generally revise criminal justice oversight council laws

This bill amends Montana law to revise the composition and duties of the Criminal Justice Oversight Council, expanding the types of local court judges eligible for appointment to the council. The key changes include clarifying that both district court judges and municipal court judges or justices of the peace may serve, while maintaining the existing 18-member structure that includes legislators, state agency directors, and community representatives. The council will continue its role of monitoring the criminal justice system, recommending data policies, and providing guidance to the board of crime control, with provisions for filling vacancies and reimbursing member expenses. Additionally, the bill directs the code commissioner to reorganize the statute within the Montana Code Annotated for better integration with other criminal justice laws.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill strengthens criminal justice oversight by expanding council composition to include more judges, enhancing accountability and monitoring capabilities within the system.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts

Track

introduced · Montana · Legislature Feb 24, 2025

LC 3389: Generally revise laws related to incarceration

This bill revises Montana laws to require state and local correctional facilities to provide free hygiene and stationery products to incarcerated individuals upon request. The key provisions mandate that facilities supply items such as soap, toilet paper, toothbrushes, feminine hygiene products, and writing materials, while also requiring the development of policies to ensure these products are accessible to all inmates, including those in restricted areas. Additionally, the bill updates the powers of the Department of Corrections to include specific rules for prerelease centers, treatment facilities, and residential methamphetamine programs, as well as data tracking for individuals discharged into homelessness. These changes aim to improve health, safety, and basic living conditions within correctional facilities while clarifying the department's operational responsibilities.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill improves conditions in correctional facilities by ensuring access to basic hygiene and stationery, supporting human rights and rehabilitation within the criminal justice system.85% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill mandates provision of hygiene and stationery products to incarcerated individuals, improving basic health and personal care access in correctional facilities.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections

Track

introduced · Montana · Legislature Feb 25, 2025

LC 4024: Generally revise the membership of the POST Council

This bill revises the membership composition of Montana's Public Safety Officer Standards and Training Council to ensure broader representation across law enforcement and related fields. The council will consist of up to 13 voting members appointed by the governor, including representatives from state law enforcement, police chiefs, sheriffs, corrections, tribal law enforcement, county attorneys, and communications officers, among others. The bill also adds a misdemeanor probation officer and two general citizens with law enforcement experience to the council. These changes take effect immediately upon passage and approval, updating the council's structure to reflect diverse perspectives within the public safety system.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill enhances oversight and representation in law enforcement standards, promoting accountability and broader stakeholder input in criminal justice policy.80% confidence

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement Policing Probation & Parole

Track

introduced · Montana · Legislature Feb 13, 2025

LC 851: Create a limited remedy to remove unauthorized persons from residential property

This bill creates a new legal process in Montana that allows residential property owners to request immediate removal of unauthorized occupants by contacting local law enforcement. The law applies specifically to situations where someone has entered a private home without permission and refuses to leave after being asked to vacate in writing, while excluding tenants, family members, and cases involving ongoing legal disputes. Owners must meet several conditions before filing a complaint, including proving ownership, confirming the occupant is not a tenant or family member, and acknowledging that false claims could lead to liability. If law enforcement verifies the complaint meets all requirements, they must serve a notice to vacate within 24 hours. The bill also establishes a cause of action for individuals who are wrongfully removed and adds penalties for knowingly presenting false documents or advertising property not legally owned.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill strengthens law enforcement authority to remove unauthorized occupants, addressing property crimes and enhancing property protection through legal mechanisms.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement

Track

introduced · Montana · Legislature Jan 9, 2025

LC 38: Increase size of parole board

This bill increases the Montana Board of Pardons and Parole from five to six members to enhance its decision-making capacity. It directly affects the state's parole and clemency process by expanding the board's composition and adding a new appointment requirement. The legislation mandates that the governor appoint a sixth member within 60 days of the July 1, 2025 effective date, who will serve a term ending January 1, 2029, and may be reappointed for a full six-year term. The bill also updates qualification requirements for board members and maintains existing provisions regarding expertise in American Indian culture, mental illness, and victim awareness.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill expands parole board size to enhance decision-making capacity, strengthening corrections oversight and potentially improving parole outcomes.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Probation & Parole

Track