Bill > HB425

This bill establishes legal liability for peace officers and their employing law enforcement agencies in specific situations involving property damage and injuries during suspect pursuit or search operations. Specifically, the bill makes peace officers or their agencies responsible for damages and injuries that occur when: (1) law enforcement enters the wrong dwelling or building specified in a search warrant, (2) officers pursue a suspect into a building that does not belong to the suspect, or (3) a suspect takes occupants of a dwelling or building hostage during an apprehension attempt. The term "peace officer" is defined according to existing Montana law (45-2-101), and the new provision is intended to be integrated into Title 27, Chapter 1, Part 7 of Montana's legal code, which likely covers civil liability and legal responsibilities. By creating this specific liability framework, the bill aims to provide legal recourse for individuals who suffer unintended harm during law enforcement operations and to incentivize more careful and precise conduct by peace officers during searches and suspect pursuits.

Justice

https://bills.legmt.gov/#/laws/bill/2/LC1491