Senate Bill No. [insert bill number] aims to revise laws related to partner or family member assault in Montana by defining the term "victim" and clarifying the legal protections for individuals involved in such incidents. The bill specifies that a "victim" is a partner or family member against whom an assault is committed, and it introduces new provisions stating that a victim may use self-defense and cannot be charged with partner or family member assault. Additionally, it establishes that only one party involved in an incident may be charged with the assault, thereby preventing dual charges in such cases.

The bill also amends existing penalties for partner or family member assault and strangulation offenses, detailing the fines and imprisonment terms for first, second, and subsequent offenses. It mandates that offenders complete counseling assessments focused on violence and controlling behavior, and it requires them to pay for the victim's reasonable costs related to medical care, housing, and counseling. Furthermore, the bill emphasizes the importance of confidentiality in counseling reports and outlines the court's authority to restrict firearm possession for offenders. Overall, the legislation seeks to enhance protections for victims while holding offenders accountable for their actions.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 45-5-206, 45-5-215
SB0383_1: 45-5-206, 45-5-215