Criminal Justice (Law Enforcement)

introduced · Montana · Legislature Feb 24, 2025

LC 3229: Generally revise criminal procedure laws

This bill amends Montana's criminal procedure laws to require law enforcement officers to show a search warrant to a known lawful occupant of a property before conducting a search. It also mandates that officers provide a copy of the warrant and a receipt for seized property to the person from whom it was taken or leave these documents at the location. The amendment clarifies that failing to provide these documents does not make the seized property inadmissible in court. The changes apply immediately upon the bill's passage and approval.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill enhances police accountability by requiring warrant display and receipt provision, protecting civil rights while maintaining evidence admissibility.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Law Enforcement

Track

introduced · Montana · Legislature Feb 10, 2025

LC 4301: Expedite seized property after law investigation

This bill requires that law enforcement weapons used in officer-involved shootings be collected, tested, and documented by investigators for evidence purposes. Once the investigation concludes and no criminal charges are filed or pending against the officer, the weapon must be returned to the agency within seven days so it can be used again in the field. The law affects law enforcement agencies and investigators by establishing a clear timeline for returning seized firearms after they have been processed for evidence. It aims to balance the need for thorough evidence collection with the operational requirement that officers have access to their equipment.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill enhances police accountability by requiring weapon testing and documentation after officer-involved shootings, ensuring proper evidence collection and transparent procedures.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Firearms Law Enforcement

Track

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

Track

introduced · Montana · Legislature Feb 5, 2025

LC 61: Limit state government use of personal electronic data

This bill restricts Montana state and local government agencies from purchasing or obtaining personal electronic data, including text messages, emails, location data, and subscriber information, except when authorized by a search warrant based on probable cause or specific exceptions like emergency situations or consent. It requires warrants for accessing stored data on electronic devices and makes any data obtained without proper legal authority inadmissible in court proceedings. The law also mandates that collected electronic communications be deleted after investigations conclude and clarifies rules about who can learn about government data requests. These changes directly affect law enforcement agencies and other government bodies that currently seek electronic evidence from service providers.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill protects civil rights and enhances police accountability by restricting unauthorized access to personal electronic data, requiring warrants for data access.90% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill protects personal data privacy by restricting government access to electronic data without warrants, strengthening digital rights and privacy protections.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Law Enforcement

Track

introduced · Montana · Legislature Jan 31, 2025

LC 925: Generally revise child abuse and neglect laws

This bill revises Montana's child abuse and neglect laws to clarify when confidential case records can be shared with specific individuals and organizations. It expands access to records for parents, guardians, health professionals, licensed care facilities, and other parties involved in child welfare cases while maintaining protections for the child's privacy and safety. The legislation outlines detailed exceptions to confidentiality, allowing disclosure to researchers, law enforcement, news media under limited conditions, and agencies conducting background checks on those working with children. These changes aim to improve information sharing among relevant stakeholders while preserving restrictions on unauthorized access to sensitive case information.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill expands law enforcement and health professional access to child abuse records, enhancing investigative capabilities and victim protection within criminal justice framework.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement

Track

introduced · Montana · Legislature Feb 6, 2025

LC 894: Creating sheriffs' first initiative for cooperation and communication

This bill requires federal employees and agents to obtain written permission from the county sheriff before making arrests, searches, or seizures in Montana, unless specific exceptions apply. The key provisions mandate that permission requests include details about the subject, probable cause, and location, while allowing sheriffs to refuse permission for any reason they consider sufficient. Exceptions exist for federal enclaves, immediate crime witnessing, certain statutory situations, arrests involving local officials, and cases where notification could compromise the operation. The law also gives sheriffs the discretion to opt out of these requirements entirely or apply them selectively to specific federal agencies or individuals.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill restricts federal law enforcement authority by requiring sheriff permission for arrests, searches, and seizures, limiting federal criminal justice operations.85% confidence ✓ ImmigrationSupports ImmigrationBill restricts federal immigration enforcement by requiring sheriff permission for arrests, limiting federal cooperation and protecting immigrant rights.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement

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 Feb 18, 2025

LC 4280: Allow police chief to appoint certain officers as court officer

This bill allows police chiefs in Montana to appoint special service officers as court officers to assist with court duties. It permits the appointment of full-time, paid special service officers in addition to reserve or volunteer officers, expanding the pool of eligible personnel. The law also updates the definition of special service officers to explicitly include both full-time and part-time paid members who may carry firearms while on duty. These changes affect municipal courts and local law enforcement agencies by clarifying which officers can serve court functions under a police chief's authority.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill expands court officer capabilities to assist with court duties, strengthening judicial support and improving court operations within the criminal justice system.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement Policing

Track

introduced · Montana · Legislature Nov 19, 2024

LC 258: Resolution urging Congress to fully fund law enforcement in Indian Country

This Montana joint resolution urges the U.S. Congress to fully fund law enforcement, public safety, and justice programs on the state's Indian reservations. It calls on federal agencies to coordinate efforts between the Departments of Justice and the Interior, conduct government-to-government consultations with tribes, and allocate sufficient resources for tribal courts, detention facilities, and victim services. The bill also invites tribal governments and the state governor to submit their own resolutions and letters supporting full funding, which will be compiled and sent to Congress and federal officials by June 30, 2025.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill explicitly urges full funding for law enforcement and justice programs on Indian reservations, requesting allocation of sufficient resources for tribal courts and facilities.85% confidence ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill urges full funding for law enforcement and justice programs on reservations, explicitly calling for resources for tribal courts, detention facilities, and victim services.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement Tags Tribal Nations

Track