Rep. Steve Kelly

Maddy summaryHB 541 aimed to revise Montana's driving under the influence (DUI) laws. It proposed adding a new offense for individuals who drive a vehicle while under the influence of both alcohol and a controlled substance, as designated in state law. This change would have directly affected drivers by expanding the conditions under which they could be charged with a DUI. The bill also intended to establish corresponding penalties for this specific offense.

Maddy summaryHB 912 proposes creating a new secure forensic facility in Montana, overseen by the Department of Public Health and Human Services. This facility would provide care, treatment, and security for up to 70 individuals involved in the legal system due to mental illness, including those needing competency restoration or forensic evaluations. The bill allocates $60 million from the Behavioral Health System for Future Generations Fund to plan, construct, and equip this facility, while also expanding the fund's uses to support new behavioral health infrastructure.

Maddy summaryHB 782 revises the membership requirements for county planning boards. This bill changes a provision that currently mandates at least one member of a county planning board must also be a member of a conservation district or a state cooperative grazing district. If enacted, county planning boards would instead have the option to include such a member, rather than being required to. This directly affects how county planning boards are constituted and who serves on them.

Maddy summaryThis bill, HB 540, aims to revise the powers of the Department of Corrections (DOC) by allowing it to contract with private corporations to establish and maintain certain facilities and programs. Specifically, it amends existing law regarding who the DOC can contract with for services like prerelease and treatment centers, residential methamphetamine treatment programs, and residential sexual offender treatment programs. While existing law already allows contracting with private,

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 542 aims to revise the penalties for individuals convicted of driving under the influence (DUI) offenses. It increases the minimum imprisonment terms for first convictions from 24 to 72 consecutive hours, and for second convictions from 7 to 30 days. While the bill's title indicates an intent to reclassify a third DUI offense as a felony, the provided text

Maddy summaryHB 319 aimed to prohibit employers from requiring employees to attend training sessions related to "controversial social vision." The bill defined "controversial social vision" as any agenda, concept, or theory not broadly accepted in society or that generates strong opposition from mainstream political, religious, or social groups. Additionally, it sought to amend election law to prevent an elector's employer, an agent of the employer, or a union officer from being designated as an agent for a disabled elector.

Maddy summaryHouse Joint Resolution 32 requests an interim study to examine the training and qualifications of law enforcement investigators within Montana agencies. This study will review current training opportunities for serious crimes, survey the number of qualified officers, and explore ways to increase qualified investigators. The final results, including any recommendations, will be reported to the 70th Legislature.

Maddy summaryHB 468 revises several laws related to watercraft operation and registration in Montana, affecting watercraft owners and operators. The bill removes the requirement for watercraft to display a validation decal, simplifying display requirements. It also updates regulations concerning boating accident reporting, personal flotation devices, and right-of-way rules. Finally, the bill eliminates the Boating Advisory Council.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 467 revises existing laws related to driving under the influence (DUI) by expanding the acceptable methods for testing. It directly affects all drivers, including commercial vehicle operators, who are suspected of DUI. The bill specifically adds oral fluid (saliva) tests as a permissible option for law enforcement to determine alcohol or drug concentration. This new testing method is integrated into implied consent provisions for commercial drivers and into the definitions for general and aggravated DUI offenses.

Maddy summaryHB 493 establishes a new criminal offense for the purposeful and knowing possession, receipt, concealment, storage, sale, or disposal of a stolen firearm or stolen ammunition. Individuals convicted of possessing a stolen firearm may face imprisonment in state prison for up to 10 years. The bill also amends existing law to allow youths aged 16 or older accused of this new offense to be tried in adult court. Additionally, it includes possession of a stolen firearm or ammunition in the definition of offenses that can constitute a "pattern of criminal street gang activity."