House Bill No. [insert bill number] introduces significant revisions to the laws governing driving under the influence (DUI), establishing a new crime of aggravated vehicular homicide while under the influence. This offense applies when an individual causes another person's death while operating a vehicle in violation of DUI laws, leading to a mandatory prison sentence ranging from 3 to 30 years and a minimum fine of $10,000. The bill also prohibits the suspension of the first three years of imprisonment, except under specific conditions. Additionally, the legislation amends the Montana Code Annotated (MCA) to enhance penalties for repeat DUI offenders and those with prior vehicular homicide convictions, thereby reinforcing the legal framework surrounding DUI offenses.

Moreover, the bill modifies existing laws related to implied consent for blood and breath tests, clarifying the conditions under which peace 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 emphasizes the necessity for chemical dependency treatment and education for offenders, particularly those with prior convictions, and establishes stricter penalties for DUI violations involving minors. Overall, the legislation aims to enhance public safety by imposing tougher 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(6): 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