House Bill No. introduced by L. Schubert and others aims to revise the obstructing justice laws in Montana 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" as not only individuals who have been or are liable to be arrested for a public offense but also those who have entered the United States unlawfully without inspection by federal authorities or who have not complied with their immigration status conditions set by the Department of Homeland Security. The bill outlines various actions that constitute obstructing justice, such as harboring or concealing an offender, warning them of impending discovery, and providing means to avoid apprehension.

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 notifying law enforcement agencies and county attorneys about the new requirements established by the act. The penalties for obstructing justice remain unchanged, with potential imprisonment or fines depending on whether the offender is charged with a felony or misdemeanor.

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: 45-7-303