The bill amends Section 45-5-201 of the Montana Code Annotated to expand the definition of assault to include the act of providing certain drugs to another person without their consent. Specifically, it stipulates that a person commits assault if they purposely or knowingly provide an individual with specific dangerous drugs listed in Schedules I through V, alcohol, or diphenhydramine without consent. The bill also clarifies that this provision does not apply to medical providers, their patients, parents or guardians administering medication to minors, or guardians of incapacitated adults who cannot consent.

Additionally, the bill specifies that the administration of opioid overdose reversal medications, such as naloxone and nalmefene, is exempt from the assault definition. The penalties for a conviction of assault remain unchanged, with fines not exceeding $500 or imprisonment for up to six months. This legislative change aims to enhance protections against non-consensual drug administration while ensuring that legitimate medical practices are not criminalized.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 45-5-201
HB0174_2: 45-5-201
HB0174_2(8): 45-5-201
HB0174_2(7): 45-5-201
HB0174_2(6): 45-5-201
HB0174_2(5): 45-5-201
HB0174_2(4): 45-5-201
HB0174_2(3): 45-5-201
HB0174_2(2): 45-5-201
HB0174_2(1): 45-5-201
HB0174_1: 45-5-201
HB0174_1(7): 45-5-201
HB0174_1(6): 45-5-201
HB0174_1(5): 45-5-201
HB0174_1(4): 45-5-201
HB0174_1(3): 45-5-201
HB0174_1(2): 45-5-201
HB0174_1(1): 45-5-201