House Bill No. introduced by a group of legislators aims to establish a private right of action against drag king and drag queen performances, as well as individuals who promote or conduct such performances. The bill allows minors who attend these performances, or their parents or legal guardians, to file lawsuits against the promoters or performers. If successful, plaintiffs can receive actual damages for psychological, emotional, economic, and physical harm, along with reasonable attorney fees and statutory damages of $5,000. The timeframe for bringing such actions has been extended from 2 years to 3 years from the date the cause of action accrues.

Additionally, the bill amends existing definitions related to drag performances in Section 45-8-117 of the Montana Code Annotated. The definitions of "drag king" and "drag queen" have been revised to emphasize their performances' sexual and provocative nature, while the term "adult-only" has been removed from the context of where these performances may occur. The bill also introduces a new definition for "drag story hour," which involves drag performers reading children's books and engaging in sexual activities with minors present. The bill includes provisions for severability, ensuring that if any part of the act is deemed invalid, the remaining valid parts will still be in effect.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 45-8-117
HB0675_1(1): 45-8-117
HB0675_1(2): 45-8-117
HB0675_1(3): 45-8-117
HB0675_1(4): 45-8-117
HB0675_1: 45-8-117
HB0675_2(1): 45-8-117
HB0675_2(10): 45-8-117
HB0675_2(2): 45-8-117
HB0675_2(3): 45-8-117
HB0675_2(4): 45-8-117
HB0675_2(5): 45-8-117
HB0675_2(6): 45-8-117
HB0675_2(7): 45-8-117
HB0675_2(8): 45-8-117
HB0675_2(9): 45-8-117
HB0675_2: 45-8-117