The proposed bill establishes a new category of driving under the influence (DUI) offenses for both noncommercial and commercial drivers who test positive for specific prohibited substances, excluding alcohol and marijuana. It amends the Montana Code Annotated (MCA) by deleting references to "other bodily substance" and introducing a detailed list of substances, such as amphetamines, cocaine, heroin, and fentanyl, along with their corresponding blood concentration limits that would constitute a DUI offense. The bill also modifies existing laws related to driver rehabilitation programs, penalties for driving with a suspended or revoked license, and the definitions of aggravated DUI, thereby enhancing road safety by addressing the dangers of impaired driving from a broader range of substances.

Furthermore, the bill imposes stricter penalties for DUI violations, particularly when minors are present in the vehicle, with minimum imprisonment terms and fines that escalate for subsequent offenses. It expands the definition of aggravated DUI and mandates that all DUI offenders complete a chemical dependency assessment, with treatment requirements varying based on prior convictions. The bill emphasizes the use of evidence-based treatment programs provided by licensed addiction counselors, while also clarifying the definition of "conviction" and the criteria for counting prior offenses. Overall, the legislation aims to improve public safety by enforcing stricter consequences for DUI offenses and ensuring that offenders receive necessary treatment.

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(10): 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(11): 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(12): 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(13): 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(8): 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(9): 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
HB0344_3(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_3(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_3(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_3(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_3(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_3(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_3(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_3(8): 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_3(9): 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_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_X(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_X(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_X(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_X(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_X(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_X(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_X(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_X: 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