This bill aims to increase the penalties for individuals who violate no contact and protection orders in Montana. It amends several sections of the Montana Code Annotated (MCA), specifically Sections 40-15-204, 45-5-209, and 45-5-626. Key changes include the introduction of harsher penalties for repeat offenders. For instance, an offender convicted of a third or subsequent violation of a no contact order will face fines up to $10,000 and imprisonment for up to five years. Additionally, the bill clarifies that each contact or attempt to contact a protected person constitutes a separate offense, and consent from the protected person is not a valid defense against violations.

The bill also modifies the language surrounding the penalties for violating protection orders. It establishes that a first offense will result in a fine of up to $500 or up to six months in jail, while a second offense will incur a fine between $200 and $500 and a minimum of 24 hours in jail. For third or subsequent offenses, the penalties have been increased to a maximum fine of $10,000 and imprisonment for up to five years, replacing previous provisions that set lower maximum fines and longer minimum jail terms. Overall, the bill seeks to strengthen the enforcement of protection and no contact orders to enhance the safety of victims.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 40-15-204, 45-5-209, 45-5-626