Bill > HB268

This bill modifies Montana's sexual and violent offender registration requirements by updating the process for offenders seeking to be relieved of their registration duties. Specifically, the bill requires county attorneys to notify the Attorney General's Office when a petition to be removed from the registry is filed, in addition to notifying the victim. For violent offenders, the current law allows petitioning for relief from registration after 10 years if the offender can demonstrate they have remained law-abiding and continued registration is not necessary for public protection. Sexual offenders have slightly different timelines, with level 1 offenders eligible to petition after 10 years and level 2 offenders after 25 years. The bill maintains exceptions for certain serious offenses, such as those involving very young victims or repeat sexual offenders. To be considered for removal, offenders must have a "clean record," which means no felony convictions, no sexual offenses, successful completion of supervised release or probation, and completion of a sexual offender treatment program. The bill also provides provisions for closed hearings and allows victims to be present and have support during these proceedings, balancing the interests of public safety with the potential rehabilitation of offenders.

Justice

https://bills.legmt.gov/#/laws/bill/2/LC3854