This bill revises laws related to driving under the influence (DUI) in Montana by redefining "prior offense" to include pending offenses and substituting the term "offense" for "violation" in various sections of the law. Specifically, it amends sections 61-8-1007 and 61-8-1011 of the Montana Code Annotated (MCA). The changes clarify the penalties for DUI offenses, including increased fines and imprisonment terms based on the number of prior offenses. The bill also emphasizes that mandatory minimum imprisonment cannot be served under home arrest and outlines conditions for suspended sentences, including participation in treatment programs.

Additionally, the bill specifies that a "prior offense" includes not only final convictions but also pending charges for DUI-related offenses, thereby broadening the scope of what constitutes a prior offense for sentencing purposes. The amendments aim to strengthen the legal framework surrounding DUI offenses, ensuring that individuals with prior or pending DUI charges face appropriate penalties. Overall, the bill seeks to enhance public safety by addressing repeat DUI offenders more effectively.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 61-8-1007, 61-8-1011