House Bill No. [insert bill number] aims to revise the laws surrounding obstructing justice to include provisions specifically addressing illegal aliens as offenders. The bill amends Section 45-7-303 of the Montana Code Annotated (MCA) to define "an offender" not only as someone liable to arrest or punishment for a public offense but also as a person who has unlawfully entered the United States without inspection by federal authorities or who has failed to comply with the conditions of their immigration status set by the Department of Homeland Security. This expansion of the definition allows for stricter penalties for those who assist illegal aliens in evading law enforcement.

Additionally, the bill includes an appropriation of $500 from the general fund to the Department of Justice for the biennium beginning July 1, 2025. This funding is designated for the purpose of notifying law enforcement agencies and county attorneys about the new requirements established by the act. The bill emphasizes the importance of enforcing these revised obstructing justice laws and ensuring that relevant parties are informed of their implications.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 45-7-303
HB0896_1(1): 45-7-303
HB0896_1(2): 45-7-303
HB0896_1(3): 45-7-303
HB0896_1(4): 45-7-303
HB0896_1: 45-7-303