The bill revises the criteria under which a judge may admit a defendant to bail, specifically addressing situations involving warrants from other jurisdictions. It amends Section 46-9-201 of the Montana Code Annotated to stipulate that a judge may not admit to bail any defendant who is on a warrant from another jurisdiction. This change aims to limit the judge's discretion in granting bail under these circumstances.

Additionally, the bill clarifies that when a defendant is bound over to a court or judge with jurisdiction over the charged offense, the court may continue, increase, reduce, or substitute bail, but again, this is contingent on the defendant not being on a warrant from another jurisdiction. The bill also maintains provisions for a defendant's appearance before a judge, allowing for both physical presence and electronic communication.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 46-9-201
HB0415_1(1): 46-9-201
HB0415_1: 46-9-201