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-related offenses. Specifically, 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 possessing or using a firearm. This amendment is contingent upon compliance with the provisions of 46-1-401.

Additionally, the bill amends Section 46-18-231 to update the language regarding fines associated with criminal distribution of dangerous drugs, replacing the term "criminal possession with intent to distribute a dangerous drug" with "criminal distribution of dangerous drugs." This change reflects the bill's focus on enhancing penalties for drug-related crimes, particularly those involving firearms, and aims to deter such offenses by imposing stricter sentencing guidelines.

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: 45-9-101, 45-9-103, 46-18-231