Bill > HB174

This bill revises Montana's assault laws to explicitly include providing certain drugs to another person without their consent as a form of assault. Specifically, the bill expands the definition of assault to include purposely or knowingly providing an individual with rohypnol, flunitrazolam, gamma-hydroxybutyrate, specific dangerous drugs from Schedules I-V, alcohol, any vaccine, and diphenhydramine without the individual's express, informed, or implied consent (or the consent of their parent, guardian, or medical power of attorney). The bill includes several important exceptions to this provision, such as medical providers prescribing or administering medication, patients receiving medication from authorized providers, parents or guardians with prescriptions for minor children, and guardians of incapacitated adults. The bill also specifically excludes the administration of opioid overdose reversal medications like naloxone and nalmefene from this definition. The penalties for assault remain unchanged, with a potential fine of up to $500, imprisonment in county jail for up to 6 months, or both. This legislation appears aimed at protecting individuals from being drugged without their knowledge or consent, particularly in contexts where they may be vulnerable to such actions.

Justice

https://bills.legmt.gov/#/laws/bill/2/LC1500