Bill > HB278

This bill amends Montana law to authorize and require peace officers who conduct a lawful stop to attempt to determine the immigration status of the stopped individual, under certain conditions. Specifically, during a lawful traffic or pedestrian stop, a peace officer may make a reasonable attempt to determine a person's immigration status when practicable and upon reasonable suspicion, with an exception if such determination might hinder or obstruct an ongoing investigation. If the officer determines that the stopped person is not lawfully present in the United States, the bill mandates that the officer report this information to a federal immigration agency. The bill adds this requirement to existing law that already outlines procedures for investigative stops, such as requesting identification, checking driver's licenses, and conducting safety frisks. The new provision expands peace officers' responsibilities regarding immigration status verification during routine stops, potentially increasing federal immigration enforcement at the local level. This legislation appears designed to enhance immigration enforcement by empowering local law enforcement to check and report on the immigration status of individuals they legally stop.

Justice

https://bills.legmt.gov/#/laws/bill/2/LC3071