House Bill No. introduced by L. Schubert and others aims to prohibit the hiring, recruiting, referring, or employing of aliens who are not lawfully authorized to accept employment in Montana. The bill amends Section 39-2-305 of the Montana Code Annotated, changing the language from "No employer" to "A person" and expanding the scope of violations to include not only hiring but also recruiting and referring unauthorized aliens. It establishes a system of penalties, including the suspension or revocation of licenses for individuals who violate this law, with specific timeframes for first, second, and subsequent violations. Additionally, it allows for statutory damages for harmed individuals, with different amounts based on whether the violation was negligent or knowing.

The bill also introduces a new section detailing the procedures for licensing authorities to implement revocations or suspensions without additional hearings, ensuring that such actions are executed promptly. It appropriates funds from the general fund to the Department of Justice for investigating and prosecuting violations of this law, with specified amounts for fiscal years 2026 and 2027. The bill includes provisions for severability, ensuring that if any part of the act is found invalid, the remaining valid parts will still be in effect.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 39-2-305
HB0536_1(1): 39-2-305
HB0536_1(2): 39-2-305
HB0536_1(3): 39-2-305
HB0536_1(4): 39-2-305
HB0536_1(5): 39-2-305
HB0536_1: 39-2-305
HB0536_2(1): 39-2-305
HB0536_2(10): 39-2-305
HB0536_2(11): 39-2-305
HB0536_2(2): 39-2-305
HB0536_2(3): 39-2-305
HB0536_2(4): 39-2-305
HB0536_2(5): 39-2-305
HB0536_2(6): 39-2-305
HB0536_2(7): 39-2-305
HB0536_2(8): 39-2-305
HB0536_2(9): 39-2-305
HB0536_2: 39-2-305