This bill amends Section 45-7-207 of the Montana Code Annotated to revise the penalties associated with tampering with or fabricating physical evidence. The current law states that a person convicted of such offenses may face imprisonment for up to 10 years or a fine of up to $50,000. The bill introduces a new provision that increases the penalties for individuals convicted of tampering with or fabricating evidence specifically in connection with a homicide or homicide investigation.

Under the new language, individuals found guilty of these more serious offenses could face imprisonment for up to 40 years or fines of up to $100,000, particularly if their actions hindered a coroner or medical examiner's ability to determine the cause or manner of death. This amendment aims to strengthen the legal consequences for those who interfere with critical investigations related to homicides, thereby enhancing the integrity of the judicial process.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 45-7-207
HB0044_1(1): 45-7-207
HB0044_1(2): 45-7-207
HB0044_1(3): 45-7-207
HB0044_1(4): 45-7-207
HB0044_1(5): 45-7-207
HB0044_1(6): 45-7-207
HB0044_1(7): 45-7-207
HB0044_1: 45-7-207
HB0044_2(1): 45-7-207
HB0044_2(10): 45-7-207
HB0044_2(2): 45-7-207
HB0044_2(3): 45-7-207
HB0044_2(4): 45-7-207
HB0044_2(5): 45-7-207
HB0044_2(6): 45-7-207
HB0044_2(7): 45-7-207
HB0044_2(8): 45-7-207
HB0044_2(9): 45-7-207
HB0044_2: 45-7-207
HB0044_3(1): 45-7-207
HB0044_3(2): 45-7-207
HB0044_3(3): 45-7-207
HB0044_3(4): 45-7-207
HB0044_3(5): 45-7-207
HB0044_3: 45-7-207
HB0044_X(1): 45-7-207
HB0044_X(10): 45-7-207
HB0044_X(11): 45-7-207
HB0044_X(12): 45-7-207
HB0044_X(2): 45-7-207
HB0044_X(3): 45-7-207
HB0044_X(4): 45-7-207
HB0044_X(5): 45-7-207
HB0044_X(6): 45-7-207
HB0044_X(7): 45-7-207
HB0044_X(8): 45-7-207
HB0044_X(9): 45-7-207
HB0044_X: 45-7-207