House Bill No. [insert bill number] aims to revise discrimination laws in Montana by providing a working definition of "antisemitism" as established by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA). The bill mandates that the Department of Labor and Industry consider this definition when reviewing discrimination complaints, ensuring that antisemitism is recognized as a form of prohibited discrimination based on race, religion, or national origin. Additionally, the bill stipulates that the definition of antisemitism will be used for sentence enhancement in cases of crimes motivated by antisemitic intent, thereby reinforcing the state's commitment to combating hate and bigotry.

The bill amends Sections 45-5-222 and 49-1-102 of the Montana Code Annotated (MCA) to incorporate the IHRA's working definition of antisemitism, which includes contemporary examples of antisemitism. This definition will guide authorities in assessing unlawful acts motivated by antisemitism. The bill also clarifies that its provisions do not alter existing evidentiary requirements or infringe upon rights protected under the U.S. Constitution or Montana law. The act is set to take effect immediately upon passage and approval.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 45-5-222, 49-1-102
HB0779_1(1): 45-5-222, 49-1-102
HB0779_1(2): 45-5-222, 49-1-102
HB0779_1(3): 45-5-222, 49-1-102
HB0779_1: 45-5-222, 49-1-102