House Bill No. [insert bill number] seeks to revise the penalties for driving under the influence (DUI) offenses in Montana by amending Sections 61-8-1007 and 61-8-1008 of the Montana Code Annotated (MCA). Key changes include increasing the minimum imprisonment for a first DUI offense from 24 hours to 3 days and for a second offense from 7 days to 30 days. The bill also introduces new minimum fines and imprisonment terms for offenses involving passengers under 16 years of age, while clarifying that mandatory minimum imprisonment cannot be served under home arrest unless specific conditions regarding care costs are met. Additionally, the classification for third and subsequent DUI offenses is modified, with stricter penalties for individuals with multiple prior convictions, including longer imprisonment terms and higher fines.

The legislation further establishes new provisions regarding restricted or probationary driver's licenses during a suspension period, requiring individuals to pay a license reinstatement fee before issuance. For those under 18 at the time of the offense, they must complete at least 30 days of the suspension period before being eligible for a restricted license. The bill classifies a fourth DUI violation as a felony, imposing specific punishments, and outlines even harsher penalties for individuals convicted of a fifth or subsequent DUI violation. Overall, the proposed changes aim to enhance road safety and deter repeat DUI offenses in Montana.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 61-8-1007, 61-8-1008
HB0542_1(1): 61-8-1007, 61-8-1008
HB0542_1(2): 61-8-1007, 61-8-1008
HB0542_1(3): 61-8-1007, 61-8-1008
HB0542_1(4): 61-8-1007, 61-8-1008
HB0542_1(5): 61-8-1007, 61-8-1008
HB0542_1: 61-8-1007, 61-8-1008
HB0542_2(1): 61-8-1007, 61-8-1008
HB0542_2(2): 61-8-1007, 61-8-1008
HB0542_2(3): 61-8-1007, 61-8-1008
HB0542_2(4): 61-8-1007, 61-8-1008
HB0542_2(5): 61-8-1007, 61-8-1008
HB0542_2(6): 61-8-1007, 61-8-1008
HB0542_2(7): 61-8-1007, 61-8-1008
HB0542_2(8): 61-8-1007, 61-8-1008
HB0542_2: 61-8-1007, 61-8-1008