Bill > HB542

This bill revises the penalties for driving under the influence (DUI) offenses in Montana, specifically changing how third and subsequent DUI offenses are classified and punished. The key change is that a third DUI offense will now be classified as a felony, which means more severe legal consequences. For a third DUI offense, the bill mandates a sentencing range of 13 to 24 months in a correctional facility or treatment program, followed by a potential consecutive 5-year prison term, with a fine between $5,000 and $10,000. The offender may be placed in a residential alcohol treatment program and will be subject to strict probation conditions, such as no alcohol consumption, random drug testing, and potential use of an ignition interlock device. For fourth and subsequent offenses, the bill increases potential prison sentences, with minimum terms ranging from 5 to 10 years depending on the number of prior convictions. The legislation also modifies language around license suspensions and aims to create more stringent consequences for repeat DUI offenders, with the goal of reducing repeat drunk driving incidents and improving public safety.

Justice

https://bills.legmt.gov/#/laws/bill/2/LC2318