This bill establishes distinct offenses for minors under 21 years of age regarding the possession of or attempts to purchase alcohol, marijuana, and other intoxicating substances. It introduces a structured penalty system that escalates with repeated offenses, including fines ranging from $100 to $900, community service hours increasing from 20 to 60, and potential driver's license confiscation for repeat offenders. The legislation emphasizes rehabilitation over punishment, mandating participation in substance abuse information courses and chemical dependency assessments conducted by licensed addiction counselors. Additionally, it provides legal protections for minors seeking medical assistance related to substance use, ensuring their statements cannot be used against them in prosecution.

The bill also addresses individuals aged 18 and older, imposing similar penalties for substance possession and purchase attempts. It amends various sections of the Montana Code Annotated (MCA) to enhance regulations surrounding chemical dependency services and outlines new definitions and provisions for intoxicating substances beyond alcohol and marijuana. Notably, it specifies that individuals under 21 cannot be charged for possession if they are seeking medical treatment or assisting others in doing so. The bill further mandates that defendants under 21 who fail to comply with a sentence must be transferred to youth court if they were under 18 at the time of non-compliance, and it introduces penalties for those who interfere with a minor's compliance with a court order. Overall, the legislation aims to balance public health concerns with supportive measures for young individuals facing substance-related issues.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 16-3-301, 16-3-323, 16-6-314, 16-12-106, 45-5-624
SB0132_1(1): 16-3-301, 16-3-323, 16-6-314, 16-12-106, 45-5-624
SB0132_1(2): 16-3-301, 16-3-323, 16-6-314, 16-12-106, 45-5-624
SB0132_1(3): 16-3-301, 16-3-323, 16-6-314, 16-12-106, 45-5-624
SB0132_1(4): 16-3-301, 16-3-323, 16-6-314, 16-12-106, 45-5-624
SB0132_1(5): 16-3-301, 16-3-323, 16-6-314, 16-12-106, 45-5-624
SB0132_1(6): 16-3-301, 16-3-323, 16-6-314, 16-12-106, 45-5-624
SB0132_1: 16-3-301, 16-3-323, 16-6-314, 16-12-106, 45-5-624
SB0132_X(1): 16-3-301, 16-3-323, 16-6-314, 16-12-106, 45-5-624
SB0132_X(2): 16-3-301, 16-3-323, 16-6-314, 16-12-106, 45-5-624
SB0132_X(3): 16-3-301, 16-3-323, 16-6-314, 16-12-106, 45-5-624
SB0132_X(4): 16-3-301, 16-3-323, 16-6-314, 16-12-106, 45-5-624
SB0132_X(5): 16-3-301, 16-3-323, 16-6-314, 16-12-106, 45-5-624
SB0132_X(6): 16-3-301, 16-3-323, 16-6-314, 16-12-106, 45-5-624
SB0132_X: 16-3-301, 16-3-323, 16-6-314, 16-12-106, 45-5-624