Senate Bill No. [insert bill number] aims to revise the penalties associated with the crime of sexual assault in Montana. The bill proposes that individuals convicted of a second sexual assault offense must register as sexual offenders. Key amendments to Section 45-5-502 of the Montana Code Annotated (MCA) include increasing the maximum fine for a first conviction from $500 to $1,000 and extending the potential jail time from 6 months to 1 year. For a second conviction, the maximum fine is raised from $1,000 to $5,000, and the imprisonment term is increased from 1 year to 5 years. Additionally, for third and subsequent convictions, the maximum fine is set at $10,000, and the imprisonment term is extended from 5 years to 10 years.

The bill also amends Section 46-23-502, which provides definitions relevant to sexual offenses. Notably, it clarifies the definition of "sexual offense" to include various violations, including sexual assault, and specifies that offenders must register as sexual offenders. The bill aims to enhance the legal framework surrounding sexual assault offenses, ensuring stricter penalties and clearer definitions to better protect victims and hold offenders accountable.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 45-5-502, 46-23-502
SB0348_1(1): 45-5-502, 46-23-502
SB0348_1(2): 45-5-502, 46-23-502
SB0348_1(3): 45-5-502, 46-23-502
SB0348_1(4): 45-5-502, 46-23-502
SB0348_1(5): 45-5-502, 46-23-502
SB0348_1(6): 45-5-502, 46-23-502
SB0348_1: 45-5-502, 46-23-502
SB0348_2(1): 45-5-502, 46-23-502
SB0348_2(2): 45-5-502, 46-23-502
SB0348_2(3): 45-5-502, 46-23-502
SB0348_2(4): 45-5-502, 46-23-502
SB0348_2(5): 45-5-502, 46-23-502
SB0348_2(6): 45-5-502, 46-23-502
SB0348_2(7): 45-5-502, 46-23-502
SB0348_2(8): 45-5-502, 46-23-502
SB0348_2: 45-5-502, 46-23-502