The bill revises Montana's sentencing laws, particularly focusing on the credit for time served prior to sentencing and the conditions under which a district court may deny this credit during revocation proceedings. It allows courts to deny elapsed time credit for a reasonable period related to violations and clarifies that defendants are not entitled to credit for time spent in a correctional institution. Furthermore, offenders can receive credit for time served prior to sentencing if the custody is linked to the same conduct for which they were convicted.

The bill amends several sections of the Montana Code Annotated (MCA), including 46-18-201, 46-18-203, and 46-18-403, to reflect these changes. It establishes that the daily rate of credit for incarceration will be determined annually by the board of county commissioners, ensuring it aligns with the actual costs of the detention facility. The effective date for the bill is set for July 1, 2025, and it will apply to offenders sentenced on or after that date.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 46-18-201, 46-18-203, 46-18-403