The bill introduces a new Driving Under the Influence (DUI) offense for both noncommercial and commercial drivers who have certain prohibited substances, excluding alcohol and marijuana, in their blood. It amends the Montana Code Annotated (MCA) by deleting the phrase "or other bodily substance" and inserting new language that defines being "under the influence" to include specific drug thresholds for substances such as amphetamines, cocaine, heroin, and fentanyl. The legislation also clarifies penalties and procedures related to drug-related DUI offenses, enhancing enforcement by establishing clear standards for testing and penalties, and promoting safer driving practices.

Additionally, the bill imposes stricter penalties for DUI offenses, particularly when minors are present in the vehicle, with minimum imprisonment terms and fines that escalate for repeat offenders. It expands the definition of aggravated DUI offenses and establishes absolute liability for violations, allowing municipalities to create their own ordinances. The legislation mandates chemical dependency assessments and treatment for offenders, requiring that these be conducted by licensed addiction counselors and that defendants bear the costs, although they may use health insurance. The bill also outlines treatment requirements based on the severity of substance use disorders and modifies the definition of "conviction" to ensure all relevant past offenses are considered in sentencing.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 23-2-535, 61-2-302, 61-5-212, 61-5-231, 61-8-805, 61-8-1001, 61-8-1002, 61-8-1007, 61-8-1008, 61-8-1009, 61-8-1011
HB0344_1(1): 23-2-535, 61-2-302, 61-5-212, 61-5-231, 61-8-805, 61-8-1001, 61-8-1002, 61-8-1007, 61-8-1008, 61-8-1009, 61-8-1011
HB0344_1(2): 23-2-535, 61-2-302, 61-5-212, 61-5-231, 61-8-805, 61-8-1001, 61-8-1002, 61-8-1007, 61-8-1008, 61-8-1009, 61-8-1011
HB0344_1(3): 23-2-535, 61-2-302, 61-5-212, 61-5-231, 61-8-805, 61-8-1001, 61-8-1002, 61-8-1007, 61-8-1008, 61-8-1009, 61-8-1011
HB0344_1(4): 23-2-535, 61-2-302, 61-5-212, 61-5-231, 61-8-805, 61-8-1001, 61-8-1002, 61-8-1007, 61-8-1008, 61-8-1009, 61-8-1011
HB0344_1: 23-2-535, 61-2-302, 61-5-212, 61-5-231, 61-8-805, 61-8-1001, 61-8-1002, 61-8-1007, 61-8-1008, 61-8-1009, 61-8-1011
HB0344_2(1): 23-2-535, 61-2-302, 61-5-212, 61-5-231, 61-8-805, 61-8-1001, 61-8-1002, 61-8-1007, 61-8-1008, 61-8-1009, 61-8-1011
HB0344_2(2): 23-2-535, 61-2-302, 61-5-212, 61-5-231, 61-8-805, 61-8-1001, 61-8-1002, 61-8-1007, 61-8-1008, 61-8-1009, 61-8-1011
HB0344_2(3): 23-2-535, 61-2-302, 61-5-212, 61-5-231, 61-8-805, 61-8-1001, 61-8-1002, 61-8-1007, 61-8-1008, 61-8-1009, 61-8-1011
HB0344_2(4): 23-2-535, 61-2-302, 61-5-212, 61-5-231, 61-8-805, 61-8-1001, 61-8-1002, 61-8-1007, 61-8-1008, 61-8-1009, 61-8-1011
HB0344_2(5): 23-2-535, 61-2-302, 61-5-212, 61-5-231, 61-8-805, 61-8-1001, 61-8-1002, 61-8-1007, 61-8-1008, 61-8-1009, 61-8-1011
HB0344_2(6): 23-2-535, 61-2-302, 61-5-212, 61-5-231, 61-8-805, 61-8-1001, 61-8-1002, 61-8-1007, 61-8-1008, 61-8-1009, 61-8-1011
HB0344_2(7): 23-2-535, 61-2-302, 61-5-212, 61-5-231, 61-8-805, 61-8-1001, 61-8-1002, 61-8-1007, 61-8-1008, 61-8-1009, 61-8-1011
HB0344_2: 23-2-535, 61-2-302, 61-5-212, 61-5-231, 61-8-805, 61-8-1001, 61-8-1002, 61-8-1007, 61-8-1008, 61-8-1009, 61-8-1011