Bill > HB710

This bill makes several changes to Montana's judicial system and legal procedures. First, it allows Supreme Court justices or district court judges to issue subpoenas when requested by an Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) task force officer investigating sexual exploitation of minors. These subpoenas can compel the production of detailed electronic and account information, including names, addresses, email addresses, IP addresses, and payment methods. The bill also reallocates the Judicial Standards Commission to the Department of Justice for administrative purposes and modifies its composition, with a new provision prohibiting a judge on the commission from serving as its presiding officer. Additionally, the bill appears to establish a standard for evaluating whether a legislative act violates the Montana Constitution, though the specific burden of proof is not detailed in the provided text. The changes are intended to enhance law enforcement's ability to investigate online crimes against children, provide administrative clarity for the Judicial Standards Commission, and potentially clarify judicial review of legislative acts. The bill becomes effective immediately upon passage and approval.

Justice

https://bills.legmt.gov/#/laws/bill/2/LC2938