All Roll Calls
Yes: 278 • No: 18
MontanaHB 4469th Legislature, Regular Session (2025)House
Revise laws related to tampering with evidence connected to a homicide
Sponsored By: Denise Baum (Democrat)
Became Law
CrimesCriminal Procedure
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Tougher penalties for evidence tampering
The law makes tampering with or faking evidence a serious crime when a case or investigation is underway or expected. It covers altering, hiding, destroying, or removing records or things, or using records you know are false to mislead investigators. The maximum penalty is up to 10 years in state prison, a fine up to $50,000, or both. In homicide cases, if the tampering makes it harder for a coroner or medical examiner to find the cause or manner of death, the maximum penalty rises to 40 years and a $100,000 fine.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Denise Baum
Democrat • House
Cosponsors
Cora Neumann
Democrat • Senate
Roll Call Votes
House vote • 2/24/2025
Do Concur
Yes: 45 • No: 4
House vote • 2/21/2025
Do Concur
Yes: 44 • No: 6
House vote • 1/17/2025
Do Pass
Yes: 94 • No: 4
House vote • 1/16/2025
Do Pass
Yes: 95 • No: 4
Actions Timeline
Chapter Number Assigned
3/27/2025HouseSigned by Governor
3/27/2025HouseTransmitted to Governor
3/18/2025HouseSigned by President
3/18/2025SenateSigned by Speaker
3/7/2025HouseReturned from Enrolling
2/26/2025HouseSent to Enrolling
2/24/2025House3rd Reading Concurred
2/24/2025Senate2nd Reading Concurred
2/21/2025Senate2nd Reading Pass Consideration
2/20/2025SenateCommittee Report--Bill Concurred
2/10/2025SenateCommittee Executive Action--Bill Concurred
2/10/2025SenateHearing
2/5/2025SenateReferred to Committee
1/20/2025SenateFirst Reading
1/20/2025SenateTransmitted to Senate
1/17/2025House3rd Reading Passed
1/17/2025House2nd Reading Passed
1/16/2025HouseCommittee Report--Bill Passed as Amended
1/13/2025HouseCommittee Executive Action--Bill Passed as Amended
1/13/2025HouseFiscal Note Printed
1/7/2025HouseFiscal Note Signed
1/7/2025HouseFiscal Note Received
1/7/2025HouseHearing
1/6/2025HouseFirst Reading
1/6/2025House
Bill Text
Enrolled
3/19/2025
As Amended (Version 3)
2/25/2025
As Amended (Version 2)
1/13/2025
Introduced
12/9/2024