The bill amends Section 45-5-201 of the Montana Code Annotated to clarify the role of the victim in determining whether charges are filed in assault cases. Specifically, it states that, with the exception of victims who are developmentally disabled, physically disabled, or suffer from a mental illness that causes them to be physically or mentally disabled, the victim has the sole responsibility to decide if a charge alleging a violation of this section is pursued.

This change emphasizes the autonomy of victims in the legal process regarding assault cases, potentially allowing them to have more control over their circumstances. The bill maintains the existing definitions and penalties associated with the offense of assault while introducing this significant modification to the victim's role in the prosecution of such cases.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 45-5-201
SB0273_1(1): 45-5-201
SB0273_1(2): 45-5-201
SB0273_1: 45-5-201