HB 514 revises Montana's privacy in communications laws, specifically targeting the non-consensual use of sexually explicit images. The bill makes it an offense to publish, distribute, or disclose real or "digitally fabricated" sexually explicit images of an identifiable person without their consent, especially with intent to harm or extort. It also criminalizes possessing and threatening to disclose such images to obtain money or valuables. "Digitally fabricated" is defined as media created using technical means, like artificial intelligence, to falsely depict an individual engaging in sexual conduct. Penalties for these offenses range from a misdemeanor for a first conviction to a felony for subsequent convictions.
HB 10 appropriates over $39 million for various information technology (IT) capital projects across multiple state agencies for the biennium ending June 30, 2027. It transfers funds from the general fund to the Long-Range Information Technology Program (LRITP) account to support these initiatives. The bill funds projects such as cybersecurity enhancements, system modernizations, and new business applications for departments like Administration, Corrections, and Public Health and Human Services. All funded projects require approval from the chief information officer and budget director for their design, implementation, and data security plans, emphasizing safeguards against unauthorized access and promoting data sharing among agencies.
HB 513 establishes property rights for individuals in their name, voice, and likeness, making these rights transferable and descendible for a period after their death. The bill prohibits the unauthorized creation, distribution, or use of digital voice replicas or digital depictions of an individual. Those who violate these provisions may face significant financial penalties, including actual damages and profits from the unauthorized use. However, the bill includes exceptions for uses like news reporting, commentary, criticism, scholarship, satire, or parody.
HB 392, known as the "Child Digital Protection Act," revises laws concerning profitable family video content featuring minor children. It requires content creators who meet specific profit and content thresholds to contribute a percentage of their gross earnings into a trust for the minor child, accessible once the child reaches 18 years of age. Additionally, the bill grants individuals who were featured as minors in such content the right to request the permanent deletion of those video segments from online platforms upon reaching the age of majority.
SB 534 provides a property tax exemption for specific wireless infrastructure in Montana. This bill exempts qualifying wireless infrastructure, placed into service on or after the act's effective date, from property taxes for an initial period of five years. Following this, the exemption gradually phases out over the next five years, after which the property becomes fully taxable. To maintain the exemption, owners must reinvest the tax savings into new communication infrastructure within Montana, without charging those costs to consumers.
SB 25 regulates the use of artificial intelligence (AI) generated content, specifically "deepfakes," in election communications within Montana. It prohibits individuals, political entities, and corporations from distributing deepfakes of candidates or political parties in election communications within 60 days before an election. This prohibition applies unless the communication includes a clear disclosure stating that the content has been significantly edited by AI and depicts false speech or conduct. The bill outlines specific formatting requirements for this disclosure across various media, including print, television, and internet communications. It also provides for injunctive relief, damages, and penalties for violations.
SB 364 establishes "kill switch" laws, primarily affecting individuals who own electronic consumer products and motor vehicles, and the entities that manufacture or service them. The bill prohibits an entity from remotely activating a kill switch on a person's personally owned property without a court order or warrant. Exceptions include situations involving unpaid subscriptions or leased items (with prior disclosure), and certain safety features in motor vehicles. Additionally, a kill switch can be activated on stolen property with the owner's consent. Violations allow individuals to seek $10,000 in statutory damages per instance.
SB 297 generally revises privacy laws, affecting consumers and entities that collect personal data. The bill requires these "controllers" to notify consumers when their information has been collected and to provide an opt-out option for consumers. It also mandates that controllers issue privacy notices and outlines their specific duties regarding data handling. Additionally, the Attorney General is required to post information about consumer privacy rights and responsibilities online.
HB 178 limits the use of artificial intelligence (AI) systems by state and local government entities and officers. The bill prohibits AI use for cognitive behavioral manipulation, unlawful discrimination, deceptive purposes, and most public space surveillance, with specific exceptions. It requires government entities to disclose when AI-produced material is published without human review or when an AI system is used in public interfaces. Additionally, any AI recommendation or decision that could impact a person's rights, duties, or privileges must be reviewed and can be modified or rejected by a trained human in a responsible position.
HB 538 revises state laws governing the 9-1-1 emergency telephone system. It expands the 9-1-1 advisory council by one member and clarifies its role in advising the department on fee allocation, grants, and statewide planning. The bill updates the department's duties, including administering 9-1-1 funds, maintaining a statewide plan for current and next-generation technologies, and monitoring expenditures by local and tribal governments operating public safety answering points. It also directs the department to adopt rules for fund distribution, grant awards, and technology standards to ensure effective 9-1-1 services across the state.
