The bill amends Section 46-5-401 of the Montana Code Annotated to authorize peace officers to check the immigration status of individuals during lawful stops. Specifically, it allows officers, upon reasonable suspicion and when practicable, to determine if a person is lawfully present in the United States. If the individual is found to be unlawfully present, the officer is required to report this information to a federal immigration agency as defined in the law.

Additionally, the bill maintains existing provisions regarding investigative stops and the responsibilities of peace officers during such encounters. Officers are still required to inform individuals of the reason for the stop and may request identification and other relevant information. The amendment aims to enhance the enforcement of immigration laws while ensuring that the rights of individuals during stops are respected.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 46-5-401
HB0278_1(1): 46-5-401
HB0278_1(2): 46-5-401
HB0278_1(3): 46-5-401
HB0278_1(4): 46-5-401
HB0278_1(5): 46-5-401
HB0278_1(6): 46-5-401
HB0278_1(7): 46-5-401
HB0278_1: 46-5-401
HB0278_2(1): 46-5-401
HB0278_2(10): 46-5-401
HB0278_2(2): 46-5-401
HB0278_2(3): 46-5-401
HB0278_2(4): 46-5-401
HB0278_2(5): 46-5-401
HB0278_2(6): 46-5-401
HB0278_2(7): 46-5-401
HB0278_2(8): 46-5-401
HB0278_2(9): 46-5-401
HB0278_2: 46-5-401
HB0278_X(1): 46-5-401
HB0278_X(2): 46-5-401
HB0278_X(3): 46-5-401
HB0278_X(4): 46-5-401
HB0278_X: 46-5-401