Bill > HB709

This bill creates a new criminal offense of human smuggling in Montana, defined as knowingly transporting or harboring individuals who have entered the United States illegally or violated their immigration status. The crime carries significant penalties, including imprisonment for 2 to 20 years and a fine of up to $400,000. Additionally, entities convicted of human smuggling will lose certain tax exemptions. The bill includes comprehensive provisions for criminal forfeiture, allowing law enforcement to seize property used in or derived from human smuggling, such as vehicles, money, equipment, and personal property. Property seizure can occur with a warrant, during an arrest, or when there is probable cause to believe the property was involved in human smuggling. Seized property will be forfeited to the state, with proceeds first used to satisfy any existing security interests and the remainder deposited into a crime victims compensation account. The law will take effect on July 1, 2025, and is intended to be part of Montana's criminal code, specifically within the section dealing with criminal offenses. The bill also amends existing tax exemption laws to remove tax benefits from organizations convicted of human smuggling.

Justice

https://bills.legmt.gov/#/laws/bill/2/LC2134