This bill amends Section 45-5-622 of the Montana Code Annotated to enhance the legal framework surrounding the offense of endangering the welfare of children. It introduces a new provision that makes it an offense for a person to knowingly commit certain crimes related to partner or family member assault in the presence of a child under 18 years of age. The bill specifies that only the predominant aggressor in such situations may be charged under this new provision, and it allows for separate charges for each child present during the offense. Additionally, it clarifies definitions related to "family member" and "partner," and establishes that a person can be charged regardless of their relationship to the child.

The bill also outlines penalties for violations, categorizing the new offense as a misdemeanor with fines ranging from $100 to $1,000 and potential jail time of 72 hours to one year. Other amendments include adjustments to existing penalties for endangering the welfare of children, with specific consequences for different types of offenses, including felonies for serious violations involving methamphetamine. The act applies to offenses committed on or after its effective date, reinforcing the state's commitment to protecting children from harm in domestic situations.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 45-5-622
HB0191_1(1): 45-5-622
HB0191_1(10): 45-5-622
HB0191_1(2): 45-5-622
HB0191_1(3): 45-5-622
HB0191_1(4): 45-5-622
HB0191_1(5): 45-5-622
HB0191_1(6): 45-5-622
HB0191_1(7): 45-5-622
HB0191_1(8): 45-5-622
HB0191_1(9): 45-5-622
HB0191_1: 45-5-622
HB0191_X(1): 45-5-622
HB0191_X(10): 45-5-622
HB0191_X(11): 45-5-622
HB0191_X(12): 45-5-622
HB0191_X(13): 45-5-622
HB0191_X(2): 45-5-622
HB0191_X(3): 45-5-622
HB0191_X(4): 45-5-622
HB0191_X(5): 45-5-622
HB0191_X(6): 45-5-622
HB0191_X(7): 45-5-622
HB0191_X(8): 45-5-622
HB0191_X(9): 45-5-622
HB0191_X: 45-5-622