HB 532: Generally revise laws related to abuse, neglect, and exploitation of incapacitated persons and vulnerable adults - Montana

HB0532_2(15).pdf → HB0532_X.pdf · 3 edits

MINOR

The bill text was reformatted to align with standard legislative style, removing internal numbering artifacts and correcting the bill title to explicitly include 'sexual abuse' and 'theft of identity' in its description. The substantive definitions of abuse, neglect, and vulnerable adults remain unchanged, though the formatting of the 'vulnerable adult' definition was adjusted for clarity.

Scope change

The scope of the bill's description was expanded to explicitly list 'sexual abuse' and 'theft of identity' as covered crimes, while the actual legal definitions and penalties within the text remained consistent with the previous version.

DEFINITION

The bill title was updated to clarify that it covers sexual abuse and theft of identity, ensuring the scope is explicitly stated in the header.

The definition of 'vulnerable adult' was restructured from a single paragraph into a clear list format to improve readability, though the criteria (age 60+, or age 18+ with impairment) remained identical.

TECHNICAL

Internal line numbers and bracketed placeholders (e.g., '[sections 1 through 4]') were removed or corrected to match standard enrolled bill formatting.

HB0532_2(4).pdf → HB0532_2(5).pdf · 1 edit

MINOR

The bill includes a minor formatting adjustment to the text of Section 7(d)(C), which specifies that individuals aged 18 or older with developmental disabilities cannot be charged under certain subsections. This change removes unnecessary spacing between the subsection label and the text, ensuring the statute is presented in a standard, consistent format without altering any legal requirements or eligibility criteria.

TECHNICAL

Removed extra whitespace between the subsection label '(d)(C)' and the beginning of the sentence to standardize the formatting of the statute.

HB0532_2(3).pdf → HB0532_2(4).pdf · 1 edit

MINOR

The amendment adds a semicolon at the end of the penalty clause for first-time offenses, clarifying that the fine and jail time are alternative options rather than a combined mandatory sentence. This is a technical formatting change intended to improve the grammatical structure of the law without altering the actual penalties or scope of the bill.

TECHNICAL

Added a semicolon to the end of the penalty sentence to correct punctuation and clarify that the fine and imprisonment are alternatives, not a combined requirement.

HB0532_1(5).pdf → HB0532_2.pdf · 4 edits

MODERATE

The bill was renumbered from HB 532.1 to HB 532.2 and updated its title to include crimes related to identity theft and the repeal of specific sections. The definitions for abuse, neglect, and personal degradation were reorganized and slightly reworded for clarity, while the penalty structure for vulnerable adult offenses was expanded to include a new exemption for individuals with developmental disabilities.

Scope change

The bill's scope was expanded to explicitly cover identity theft crimes and to repeal two specific sections of the Montana Code Annotated that were previously referenced in the bill's summary.

TECHNICAL

The bill number was changed from HB 532.1 to HB 532.2, and the title was revised to add 'identity theft' crimes and the 'repeal' of specific statutes.

DEFINITION

The definitions for 'abuse', 'neglect', and 'personal degradation' were restructured with new numbering and slight wording adjustments to improve clarity.

The definition of 'personal degradation' was updated to clarify that it does not include images or videos used for treatment, diagnosis, regulatory compliance, or law enforcement investigations.

ELIGIBILITY

A new provision was added stating that individuals aged 18 or older with a developmental disability cannot be charged with abuse, neglect, or personal degradation of a vulnerable adult.

LC3437.pdf → HB0532_1.pdf · 2 edits

MINOR

The bill was renumbered from LC 3437 to HB 532 and updated with the sponsor's name. A substantive addition was made to the definition of 'personal degradation' to explicitly include menace, fraud, undue influence, and intimidation alongside deception and duress, broadening the scope of prohibited conduct.

Scope change

The bill's scope was expanded by adding specific forms of coercion and manipulation to the definition of personal degradation.

DEFINITION

Added 'menace, fraud, undue influence, or intimidation' to the list of prohibited means used in personal degradation.

TECHNICAL

Updated bill title from LC 3437 to HB 532 and added sponsor information.

Generally revise laws related to abuse, neglect, and exploitation of incapacitated persons and vulnerable adults

What changed between versions

How they voted

Actions timeline

Sponsors