Criminal Justice (Drug Policy)

introduced · Montana · Legislature Jan 10, 2025

LC 2796: Generally revise minor in possession laws

This bill creates separate criminal offenses for minors possessing or attempting to purchase alcohol, marijuana, or other intoxicating substances in Montana. It directly affects individuals under 21 years of age and establishes specific penalties based on age and offense frequency, including fines, community service hours, mandatory substance abuse education courses, and driver's license suspensions. The legislation distinguishes between younger offenders under 18 and those aged 18 to 20, with stricter penalties for repeat offenses, and includes provisions for transferring cases to youth court when minors fail to comply with sentencing requirements.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill expands criminalization of minors by creating separate offenses and imposing penalties like fines, community service, education courses, and license suspensions for substance possession.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Drug Policy Sentencing

Track

introduced · Montana · Legislature Feb 21, 2025

LC 2325: Prohibit local governments from enacting red flag gun laws

This bill prohibits Montana local governments from enacting or enforcing extreme risk protection orders, commonly known as red flag laws, which temporarily remove firearms from individuals deemed a risk to themselves or others. It also bars localities from accepting state or federal funds designated for implementing such orders and establishes a $10,000 civil penalty for violations. The legislation defines these orders as court directives aimed at reducing firearm-related risks by restricting firearm possession or requiring surrender of weapons, while explicitly excluding standard domestic violence restraining orders. Additionally, the bill amends state law to clarify that local governments cannot exercise powers affecting the right to keep or bear arms.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill restricts local enforcement of red flag laws, limiting public safety measures that prevent firearm-related harm and reduce risk to individuals and communities.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Domestic Violence Drug Policy Firearms

Track

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

Track

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

Track

introduced · Montana · Legislature Feb 24, 2025

LC 4318: Generally revise administration of drug and substance laws

This bill revises Montana's laws regarding intoxicating products by prohibiting the consumption of unregulated beverages or products that alter mental or physical states, making it a misdemeanor to use such items. It places hemp products under the regulation of the Department of Revenue and amends existing definitions to clarify terms like "adult-use dispensary," "cultivator," and "debilitating medical condition" for medical marijuana purposes. The legislation also establishes specific ownership thresholds for beneficial owners in marijuana businesses and updates the list of qualifying medical conditions for patients seeking medical marijuana access.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill expands criminalization by making consumption of unregulated intoxicating products a misdemeanor, thereby restricting individual liberties and increasing criminal penalties.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Drug Policy

Track

introduced · Montana · Legislature Jan 27, 2025

LC 2794: Reallocate Montana marijuana tax revenue

This bill restructures how Montana allocates marijuana tax revenue, directing funds toward prevention services, law enforcement operations, and local grants rather than general state budgets. It establishes a Marijuana Tax Revenue Accountability Council composed of state agency representatives, behavioral health professionals, and public members to oversee how the money is spent on substance misuse prevention and youth suicide prevention programs. The council will meet quarterly to advise the Department of Public Health and Human Services on grant distributions and prepare an annual impact report, while the state must fund prevention programs through contracts with external service providers.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill directs marijuana tax revenue toward prevention services, law enforcement, and local grants, strengthening state budget allocation for essential public programs.90% confidence ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill allocates marijuana tax revenue to law enforcement operations and prevention services, strengthening criminal justice infrastructure and funding.75% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill directs marijuana tax revenue toward prevention services, behavioral health professionals, and youth suicide prevention programs, strengthening public health and mental health services.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Revenue Drug Policy Public Health

Track

introduced · Montana · Legislature Nov 19, 2024

LC 206: Resolution for support of federal SAFER banking act

This joint resolution from the Montana Legislature urges the U.S. Congress to pass the federal SAFER Banking Act of 2023. The bill would allow banks to provide financial services to marijuana-related businesses without fear of federal penalties, addressing the current barrier where these businesses must operate largely in cash due to federal prohibition. Montana specifically supports this measure because state laws have legalized marijuana for medical and recreational use, generating significant tax revenue while businesses struggle to access traditional banking. The resolution aims to reduce crime and tax evasion risks associated with cash-heavy operations and improve oversight of legal marijuana industries.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill supports federal banking reform to enable financial services for legal cannabis businesses, aligning federal policy with state legalization and reducing regulatory barriers.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Drug Policy

Track

introduced · Montana · Legislature Jan 16, 2025

LC 2975: Generally revise endangering the welfare of children

This bill revises Montana's endangering the welfare of children law to clarify specific prohibited actions and update penalties. It directly affects parents, guardians, and anyone supervising children under 18 by explicitly criminalizing exposing children to marijuana or dangerous drugs and assisting minors in entering adult-use dispensaries or locations involved in human trafficking or drug production. The legislation also establishes clearer guidelines for what constitutes acceptable independent activities for children, such as walking to school or short car rides, while maintaining stricter penalties for cases involving methamphetamine manufacturing or serious bodily injury to a child.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill clarifies prohibited actions and updates penalties for endangering children, strengthening child protection laws within criminal justice framework.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Drug Policy Human Trafficking

Track

introduced · Montana · Legislature Dec 31, 2024

LC 1791: Establish the crime of possession of stolen firearm or ammunition

This bill creates a new criminal offense for knowingly possessing stolen firearms or ammunition, allowing for up to 10 years in state prison upon conviction. It directly affects individuals who receive, store, sell, or dispose of stolen guns or ammo by making these actions a prosecutable crime. The legislation also amends existing youth court transfer laws to include possession of stolen firearms or ammunition among the offenses that can move a case from juvenile to adult court. This change ensures that possession of stolen weapons is treated as a serious offense that can trigger adult prosecution procedures for older youth. The bill focuses on establishing clear legal penalties and procedural rules without commenting on the effectiveness or necessity of these measures.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill creates new criminal offense for stolen firearms, strengthens law enforcement tools, and expands adult court transfer for gun possession, directly supporting criminal justice enforcement.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Drug Policy Firearms Juvenile Justice

Track

introduced · Montana · Legislature Dec 20, 2024

LC 1790: Generally revise laws related to dangerous drugs

This bill revises Montana's dangerous drug laws by updating penalties for criminal distribution and possession with intent to distribute. It directly affects individuals who sell, share, or possess drugs with the intent to distribute them. The bill establishes stricter sentencing guidelines, including enhanced penalties for distributing fentanyl and other synthetic opioids, distributing drugs to minors, or using firearms during drug crimes. It also allows judges to impose fines in addition to prison sentences for certain serious offenses. Medical practitioners and their supervised agents remain exempt from these provisions.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill increases penalties for drug crimes and expands criminalization through stricter sentencing guidelines and enhanced penalties for distribution.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Drug Policy Sentencing

Track