The bill introduces a new offense termed "aggravated vehicular homicide while under the influence," which applies when an individual causes another's death while driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs and is charged with aggravated DUI. This offense is distinct from deliberate homicide and carries severe penalties, including a mandatory prison sentence of 3 to 30 years and fines between $10,000 and $50,000, with the court unable to suspend the first three years of the sentence except under specific conditions. The bill also amends the Montana Code Annotated to enhance penalties for DUI offenses, particularly for repeat offenders and those with prior aggravated vehicular homicide convictions, thereby reinforcing the legal framework surrounding DUI-related offenses.

In addition to establishing stricter penalties, the bill modifies implied consent laws regarding blood and breath tests, detailing the conditions under which officers can request these tests and the consequences of refusal, including immediate driver's license suspension. It mandates that nonresident driver's licenses seized for refusal to test be forwarded to the appropriate licensing authority in the nonresident's home state. The bill also clarifies that certain medical tests conducted for treatment purposes are exempt from these provisions, while ensuring that law enforcement can access information from such tests as permitted by existing statutes. Overall, the legislation aims to enhance public safety by imposing stricter penalties and ensuring compliance with testing requirements for suspected DUI offenders.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 44-15-103, 46-18-201, 61-8-1007, 61-8-1008, 61-8-1016
HB0267_1(1): 44-15-103, 46-18-201, 61-8-1007, 61-8-1008, 61-8-1016
HB0267_1(2): 44-15-103, 46-18-201, 61-8-1007, 61-8-1008, 61-8-1016
HB0267_1(3): 44-15-103, 46-18-201, 61-8-1007, 61-8-1008, 61-8-1016
HB0267_1(4): 44-15-103, 46-18-201, 61-8-1007, 61-8-1008, 61-8-1016
HB0267_1(5): 44-15-103, 46-18-201, 61-8-1007, 61-8-1008, 61-8-1016
HB0267_1(6): 44-15-103, 46-18-201, 61-8-1007, 61-8-1008, 61-8-1016
HB0267_1(7): 44-15-103, 46-18-201, 61-8-1007, 61-8-1008, 61-8-1016
HB0267_1(8): 44-15-103, 46-18-201, 61-8-1007, 61-8-1008, 61-8-1016
HB0267_1: 44-15-103, 46-18-201, 61-8-1007, 61-8-1008, 61-8-1016
HB0267_2(1): 44-15-103, 46-18-201, 61-8-1007, 61-8-1008, 61-8-1016
HB0267_2(2): 44-15-103, 46-18-201, 61-8-1007, 61-8-1008, 61-8-1016
HB0267_2(3): 44-15-103, 46-18-201, 61-8-1007, 61-8-1008, 61-8-1016
HB0267_2(4): 44-15-103, 46-18-201, 61-8-1007, 61-8-1008, 61-8-1016
HB0267_2(5): 44-15-103, 46-18-201, 61-8-1007, 61-8-1008, 61-8-1016
HB0267_2: 44-15-103, 46-18-201, 61-8-1007, 61-8-1008, 61-8-1016