House Bill No. [insert bill number] mandates that certain professionals and officials report individuals who are not lawfully present in the United States to the Montana Department of Justice. The bill specifies a list of mandatory reporters, including healthcare professionals, educators, social workers, law enforcement officials, and clergy, among others. It establishes that these individuals must report their knowledge of unlawful presence promptly, with exceptions for clergy members regarding confidential communications. Failure to report or obstructing another from reporting is classified as a misdemeanor.

Additionally, the bill outlines the procedures for reporting, including the collection of specific information by the Department of Justice, such as the facts leading to the knowledge of unlawful presence and the identity of the reporter, which must remain confidential. The Department is also required to maintain audio recordings of phone reports for three years and allows for electronic submissions through its website. To support these initiatives, the bill appropriates $500 from the general fund for the creation of a reporting website and the distribution of physical reporting forms at motor vehicle division offices.