Bill > HB446

This bill revises Montana's indecent exposure laws to add a new provision specifically addressing indecent exposure in public places, focusing on exposing intimate parts to members of the opposite biological sex or assigned sex at birth. The bill defines a "public place" broadly, including spaces like transportation facilities, restrooms, locker rooms, schools, parks, and common areas in multi-unit buildings. Under the new law, a person commits indecent exposure in a public place if they knowingly expose their genitals or intimate parts in circumstances likely to cause affront or alarm, with some exceptions for minors accompanied by parents or guardians and individuals with developmental disabilities accompanied by caregivers. The penalties for this offense escalate with subsequent convictions: first conviction can result in a fine up to $500 or up to 6 months in jail, second conviction increases to a $1,000 fine or up to 1 year in jail, and third or subsequent convictions can result in a fine up to $10,000 or up to 10 years in prison. The bill also makes a technical amendment to another section of law to reflect these changes, and includes provisions for the law to take effect on July 1, 2025, with a severability clause ensuring that if any part of the law is found invalid, the rest remains in effect.

Justice

https://bills.legmt.gov/#/laws/bill/2/LC1270