House Bill No. [insert bill number] seeks to strengthen laws regarding driving under the influence (DUI) in Montana by increasing penalties and redefining the term "misdemeanor." The bill amends Sections 45-2-101 and 61-8-1007 of the Montana Code Annotated (MCA), allowing misdemeanor sentences to be served consecutively or on weekends from 5 p.m. Friday to 5 p.m. Sunday, with credit for two days. It also stipulates that if an offender's misdemeanor term exceeds 104 days or if the local jail is full during the first 104 weekend days, the sentence may extend into multiple calendar years.

In addition to redefining misdemeanor sentencing, the bill introduces a new structure for DUI penalties, mandating weekend imprisonment for offenders. First-time offenders will face a minimum of 180 weekend days, while repeat offenders will serve up to 364 weekend days. Fines have also been adjusted, with first-time offenders facing fines between $600 and $1,000, and third-time offenders facing fines up to $18,000, especially if minors were present during the offense. The legislation further requires participation in chemical dependency treatment programs and outlines stricter conditions for aggravated DUI offenses, significantly increasing both imprisonment terms and fines. Overall, the bill aims to deter repeat DUI offenses and enhance public safety on Montana's roads.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 45-2-101, 61-8-1007
HB0816_1(1): 45-2-101, 61-8-1007
HB0816_1(2): 45-2-101, 61-8-1007
HB0816_1(3): 45-2-101, 61-8-1007
HB0816_1(4): 45-2-101, 61-8-1007
HB0816_1: 45-2-101, 61-8-1007