Bill > HB605

This bill revises Montana's criminal laws regarding strip searches by modifying existing regulations. Under the proposed changes, a person arrested for a traffic offense or non-felony crime can only be subjected to a strip search if there is reasonable suspicion that they are concealing a weapon, contraband, or evidence. However, if an individual will be housed in a jail or correctional facility for more than 12 hours following their initial appearance or arraignment, they may be strip searched with certain restrictions: the search must be conducted by a peace officer or law enforcement employee of the same sex, and it cannot involve penetration of any body cavity. Additionally, the bill requires each Montana county to pay a $250 fee to the Department of Justice to help develop guidelines for conducting strip searches, aiming to standardize and regulate the practice across the state and provide clearer protocols for law enforcement agencies.

Justice

https://bills.legmt.gov/#/laws/bill/2/LC3019