This bill amends Section 45-2-101 of the Montana Code Annotated (MCA) by introducing clear definitions for "reasonable apprehension of bodily injury" and "reasonable apprehension of serious bodily injury." The new legal language specifies that "reasonable apprehension of bodily injury" refers to a belief that such injury is imminent, even if it ultimately does not occur, and that this belief would be held by a reasonable person under similar circumstances. The same approach is applied to "reasonable apprehension of serious bodily injury," emphasizing the belief in the imminent risk of serious injury, regardless of whether the injury actually happens. These amendments aim to clarify the legal standards for assessing apprehension of injury, which could impact various legal proceedings, including self-defense cases.

Additionally, the bill updates definitions within Montana law, retaining existing definitions related to bodily injury and serious bodily injury while introducing new terms such as "Tamper," "Threat," and "Weapon." The definition of "Threat" is particularly comprehensive, covering various forms of intimidation and coercion. The bill also clarifies the definition of "Value," providing guidelines for assessing the market value of stolen property, including specific considerations for different types of instruments and electronic items. Overall, the amendments seek to enhance clarity and precision in legal terminology, which may aid in the enforcement of laws and the prosecution of crimes in Montana.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 45-2-101