House Bill No. [insert bill number] aims to revise laws related to dangerous drugs by introducing enhanced penalties for individuals who possess or use a firearm while committing certain drug crimes. The bill amends sections 45-9-101 and 45-9-103 of the Montana Code Annotated (MCA) to include provisions that impose additional prison sentences of 2 to 10 years for offenders who are found guilty of drug distribution or possession with intent to distribute while knowingly using or possessing a firearm. This amendment is contingent upon compliance with the provisions of 46-1-401.

Additionally, the bill amends section 46-18-231, which pertains to fines in felony and misdemeanor cases, by replacing the term "criminal possession with intent to distribute a dangerous drug" with "criminal distribution of dangerous drugs" in the context of imposing fines. This change aligns the penalties for drug distribution with the overall intent of the bill to strengthen the legal framework surrounding dangerous drug offenses and enhance public safety.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 45-9-101, 45-9-103, 46-18-231
HB0287_1(1): 45-9-101, 45-9-103, 46-18-231
HB0287_1(2): 45-9-101, 45-9-103, 46-18-231
HB0287_1(3): 45-9-101, 45-9-103, 46-18-231
HB0287_1(4): 45-9-101, 45-9-103, 46-18-231
HB0287_1(5): 45-9-101, 45-9-103, 46-18-231
HB0287_1(6): 45-9-101, 45-9-103, 46-18-231
HB0287_1(7): 45-9-101, 45-9-103, 46-18-231
HB0287_1: 45-9-101, 45-9-103, 46-18-231