Bill > SB374

This bill generally revises laws concerning contempt of court, introducing several significant changes to protect individual rights and limit judicial discretion. The bill establishes that violating a gag order is not contempt if the person is exercising their First Amendment rights and not intentionally violating someone's privacy, and it prevents gag orders from being used to prejudice potential jurors. The legislation caps fines for contempt at $50 per day and $500 in total, requires a jury trial for incarceration lasting more than 3 days, and allows individuals to challenge contempt orders by filing an affidavit alleging judicial bias or misconduct. Additionally, the bill permits non-attorney laypersons to appear with plaintiffs or defendants and provide legal advice or information without being charged with practicing law or held in contempt. It also provides protections for law enforcement officers, stating they cannot be held in contempt for disobeying an unlawful order and ensuring independent review of any contempt charges against them. The bill emphasizes protecting free speech and challenging potential judicial overreach by allowing criticism of court proceedings and orders, particularly when constitutional rights might be at stake.

Justice

https://bills.legmt.gov/#/laws/bill/2/LC0758