LC 758 Legislature · 2025 Regular Session

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.
Bill status introduced 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Nov 2024
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Nov 4, 2024 Last action Feb 18, 2025
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