House Bill No. 532 aims to enhance the legal framework surrounding the abuse, neglect, and exploitation of incapacitated persons and vulnerable adults in Montana. The bill introduces new definitions for key terms such as "abuse," "neglect," and "sexual abuse," and establishes stringent penalties for offenses, including felony charges for knowingly abusing or neglecting a vulnerable adult, which could result in up to 10 years of imprisonment and fines up to $10,000. It also addresses the failure to report abuse or neglect and false reporting, outlining specific penalties for these actions. Additionally, the bill revises laws related to identity theft, particularly when the victim is a minor, incapacitated person, or vulnerable adult, increasing the penalties for such crimes.

Key amendments include the introduction of specific requirements for the admissibility of hearsay evidence in court cases involving vulnerable adults, mandating detailed notices about the hearsay statement and requiring courts to issue findings regarding its reliability. The bill also expands the definition of "crime of violence," clarifies presentence investigation requirements, and mandates psychosexual evaluations for certain offenders, with costs borne by the defendant unless they are indigent. Furthermore, it updates the risk level designation process for sexual offenders, allowing for petitions to change designations based on successful treatment completion. Overall, the legislation seeks to strengthen protections for vulnerable populations and ensure accountability for those who exploit or harm them.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 44-15-103, 45-6-332, 46-16-222, 46-18-104, 46-18-111, 46-23-502, 46-23-509, 52-3-803
HB0532_1(1): 44-15-103, 45-6-332, 46-16-222, 46-18-104, 46-18-111, 46-23-502, 46-23-509, 52-3-803
HB0532_1(2): 44-15-103, 45-6-332, 46-16-222, 46-18-104, 46-18-111, 46-23-502, 46-23-509, 52-3-803
HB0532_1(3): 44-15-103, 45-6-332, 46-16-222, 46-18-104, 46-18-111, 46-23-502, 46-23-509, 52-3-803
HB0532_1(4): 44-15-103, 45-6-332, 46-16-222, 46-18-104, 46-18-111, 46-23-502, 46-23-509, 52-3-803
HB0532_1(5): 44-15-103, 45-6-332, 46-16-222, 46-18-104, 46-18-111, 46-23-502, 46-23-509, 52-3-803
HB0532_1: 44-15-103, 45-6-332, 46-16-222, 46-18-104, 46-18-111, 46-23-502, 46-23-509, 52-3-803
HB0532_2(1): 44-15-103, 45-6-332, 46-16-222, 46-18-104, 46-18-111, 46-23-502, 46-23-509, 52-3-803
HB0532_2(10): 44-15-103, 45-6-332, 46-16-222, 46-18-104, 46-18-111, 46-23-502, 46-23-509, 52-3-803
HB0532_2(11): 44-15-103, 45-6-332, 46-16-222, 46-18-104, 46-18-111, 46-23-502, 46-23-509, 52-3-803
HB0532_2(12): 44-15-103, 45-6-332, 46-16-222, 46-18-104, 46-18-111, 46-23-502, 46-23-509, 52-3-803
HB0532_2(13): 44-15-103, 45-6-332, 46-16-222, 46-18-104, 46-18-111, 46-23-502, 46-23-509, 52-3-803
HB0532_2(14): 44-15-103, 45-6-332, 46-16-222, 46-18-104, 46-18-111, 46-23-502, 46-23-509, 52-3-803
HB0532_2(15): 44-15-103, 45-6-332, 46-16-222, 46-18-104, 46-18-111, 46-23-502, 46-23-509, 52-3-803
HB0532_2(2): 44-15-103, 45-6-332, 46-16-222, 46-18-104, 46-18-111, 46-23-502, 46-23-509, 52-3-803
HB0532_2(3): 44-15-103, 45-6-332, 46-16-222, 46-18-104, 46-18-111, 46-23-502, 46-23-509, 52-3-803
HB0532_2(4): 44-15-103, 45-6-332, 46-16-222, 46-18-104, 46-18-111, 46-23-502, 46-23-509, 52-3-803
HB0532_2(5): 44-15-103, 45-6-332, 46-16-222, 46-18-104, 46-18-111, 46-23-502, 46-23-509, 52-3-803
HB0532_2(6): 44-15-103, 45-6-332, 46-16-222, 46-18-104, 46-18-111, 46-23-502, 46-23-509, 52-3-803
HB0532_2(7): 44-15-103, 45-6-332, 46-16-222, 46-18-104, 46-18-111, 46-23-502, 46-23-509, 52-3-803
HB0532_2(8): 44-15-103, 45-6-332, 46-16-222, 46-18-104, 46-18-111, 46-23-502, 46-23-509, 52-3-803
HB0532_2(9): 44-15-103, 45-6-332, 46-16-222, 46-18-104, 46-18-111, 46-23-502, 46-23-509, 52-3-803
HB0532_2: 44-15-103, 45-6-332, 46-16-222, 46-18-104, 46-18-111, 46-23-502, 46-23-509, 52-3-803
HB0532_X(1): 44-15-103, 45-6-332, 46-16-222, 46-18-104, 46-18-111, 46-23-502, 46-23-509, 52-3-803
HB0532_X(2): 44-15-103, 45-6-332, 46-16-222, 46-18-104, 46-18-111, 46-23-502, 46-23-509, 52-3-803
HB0532_X(3): 44-15-103, 45-6-332, 46-16-222, 46-18-104, 46-18-111, 46-23-502, 46-23-509, 52-3-803
HB0532_X(4): 44-15-103, 45-6-332, 46-16-222, 46-18-104, 46-18-111, 46-23-502, 46-23-509, 52-3-803
HB0532_X(5): 44-15-103, 45-6-332, 46-16-222, 46-18-104, 46-18-111, 46-23-502, 46-23-509, 52-3-803
HB0532_X: 44-15-103, 45-6-332, 46-16-222, 46-18-104, 46-18-111, 46-23-502, 46-23-509, 52-3-803