SB 537 revises Montana's marijuana tax revenue distribution, directing funds from the marijuana state special revenue account to new and existing state accounts. It requires transferring excess funds annually to specific accounts, including 12% to the HEART account for addiction treatment and mental health programs, 20% to wildlife habitat projects, and 14% to behavioral health initiatives. The bill also allocates funds for law enforcement canine training, sexual assault evidence kits, and homeless shelter support, while modifying existing transfer rules for agencies like the Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Parks. These changes apply to all state agencies receiving marijuana tax revenue under Montana law.
SB 312 removes time limits for victims to file lawsuits related to childhood sexual abuse in Montana. It allows victims to sue until age 27 or within 3 years of discovering the abuse, whichever comes later. The bill also creates new pathways to revive expired claims if the abuser admitted guilt (in writing, court, or plea) or if an organization knew about past abuse by its staff but failed to act. This directly affects survivors of childhood sexual abuse and entities like schools or religious groups that may have neglected to prevent abuse.
HB 289 aimed to revise Montana's crime laws by expanding the definition of the offense of endangering the welfare of children. The bill sought to include situations where a child is exposed to the production, manufacture, or direct presence of fentanyl, heroin, or cocaine. This would apply to individuals who knowingly engage in these activities in locations where children might reasonably be present. Violations under this specific provision would be classified as a felony, carrying potential penalties of imprisonment, fines, or both.
HB 816, titled "Generally revise DUI penalties," aims to update laws related to Driving Under the Influence. The bill proposes to increase penalties for DUI offenses, directly affecting individuals convicted of these crimes. It also includes amendments to the definition of "misdemeanor" and other general definitions within the Montana Code Annotated.
HB 702 creates a new crime for operating drones over Montana correctional facilities without permission, punishable by 1-5 years in prison. It revises assault laws to specifically include intentionally making bodily fluid contact with correctional staff, healthcare providers, or emergency responders during arrests, incarceration, or transport. The bill also updates rules for possessing or transferring prohibited items (like cellphones, drugs, or weapons) into prisons, with harsher penalties for weapons (up to 20 years) and drugs (up to 10 years), while adding clarity about notice requirements for minor contraband. These changes directly affect prison staff, inmates, visitors, and anyone near correctional facilities.
HB 569 sought to revise laws related to perjury and false swearing. The bill proposed changes to the penalties for these offenses, introducing mandatory minimum jail sentences and adjusting maximum terms and fines. For perjury, the punishment would shift from state prison to county jail, while still requiring a minimum 6-month term. For false swearing, new mandatory minimums for jail time and revised fines were introduced. Additionally, the bill mandated that credible allegations of both perjury and false swearing be investigated by an agency independent of the judiciary.
HB 852 aimed to revise laws related to surety bail bonds, significantly expanding the authority and rights of surety bail bond insurance producers. The bill would grant producers powers to apprehend defendants, including across state lines and by force, without requiring a prior court order. It also intended to make producers formal parties in legal proceedings concerning their bonds, giving them rights to notice, participation, and the ability to file motions in court. Additionally, the bill sought to revise procedures for bail determination, forfeiture, and defendant surrender, and regulate communication methods like teletypes between jails and bond agents.
HB 433 sought to protect an individual's right to keep and bear arms while awaiting trial. The bill proposed that a person could not be deprived of their Second Amendment or Montana constitutional firearm rights before a conviction. This protection would apply unless the individual was charged with a forcible felony or a crime of violence involving a weapon, as defined in statute 45-2-101. The bill aimed to preserve these rights during the pre-trial phase for most offenses.
HB 709 sought to establish the crime of "human smuggling" in Montana, targeting individuals and entities who knowingly transport or harbor people who have unlawfully entered the United States without federal inspection. Individuals convicted of this crime would face penalties including imprisonment, a substantial fine, or both. Entities found guilty would lose their eligibility for certain state tax exemptions. Additionally, the bill included provisions for the criminal forfeiture of property, such as vehicles and funds, if used in or derived from the crime of human smuggling.
HB 635 proposes to prohibit state and local government agencies from funding, establishing, or supporting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs. It would prevent these agencies from requiring employees to participate in DEI programs or spending public funds on related services or staff. The bill defines DEI programs as activities that focus on describing power structures, methods to dismantle them, or advancing theories like implicit bias or systemic oppression. However, it includes exceptions for complying with federal law, specific state human rights laws, court orders, and offering sexual harassment training. This legislation directly affects state and local government agencies and their employees in Montana.
