House Bill No. [insert bill number] aims to revise laws concerning the unauthorized occupancy of residential dwellings in Montana. The bill introduces a new legal framework that allows property owners or their authorized agents to request the immediate removal of unauthorized persons from their residential properties through local law enforcement, provided certain conditions are met. These conditions include the owner having previously directed the unauthorized person to vacate in writing, the absence of pending litigation regarding the property, and the unauthorized person not being a current or former tenant or an immediate family member. The bill also establishes a process for submitting a complaint to law enforcement, which must include specific information and documentation to verify the owner's claim.

Additionally, the bill amends existing laws related to deceptive practices, specifically addressing the presentation of false documents and the unauthorized sale or rental of property. It introduces penalties for individuals who knowingly present false documents or advertise property they do not legally own. The bill also outlines the rights of owners and the authority of law enforcement in these situations, while providing a cause of action for individuals wrongfully removed from a property. Local law enforcement may charge fees for their services related to the removal process, and the bill clarifies the liability of owners concerning the removal of personal property from unauthorized occupants.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 45-6-317
HB0501_1(1): 45-6-317
HB0501_1(2): 45-6-317
HB0501_1(3): 45-6-317
HB0501_1(4): 45-6-317
HB0501_1: 45-6-317