Bill > SB444

This bill revises Montana's laws regarding search warrant procedures by amending Section 46-5-227 of the Montana Code Annotated (MCA). Specifically, the bill expands the requirements for serving a search warrant by mandating that law enforcement must exhibit the original or duplicate warrant not only at the place to be searched or to the person being searched, but also to a "known lawful occupant" of the property being searched. The bill maintains existing provisions that require the officer executing the search warrant to provide a copy of the warrant and a receipt for any property taken, and it retains the existing language that failure to leave a copy and receipt does not automatically render seized property inadmissible in court. The legislation will become effective immediately upon passage and approval, which means it will go into effect as soon as it is signed into law. The purpose of this change appears to be to provide greater transparency and notification to property occupants during the execution of search warrants.

Justice

https://bills.legmt.gov/#/laws/bill/2/LC3229