All Roll Calls
Yes: 274 • No: 121
MontanaSB 1969th Legislature, Regular Session (2025)SenateWALLET
Revise sentencing laws related to theft
Sponsored By: Barry Usher (Republican)
Became Law
Crimes
Your PRIA Score
Score Hidden
Personalized for You
How does this bill affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this bill and every other piece of legislation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 3 costs, 1 mixed.
Late rental returns face tougher penalties
Rental agreements must clearly show the return date and time. You must return the item within 48 hours after the time in the contract. Using false ID to rent, or failing to return within 72 hours after a certified or registered‑mail demand, is evidence of intent not to return. If the item is worth $1,500 or less, penalties are a fine up to $1,500 or up to 6 months in jail. If the item is worth over $5,000 or the conduct is part of a common scheme, penalties can reach a $10,000 fine and up to 10 years in state prison.
Tougher penalties for theft and fraud
The law raises penalties for theft, bad checks, deceptive sales, and forgery. For amounts of $1,500 or less, courts can impose a fine up to $1,500 or up to 6 months in county jail. A third low‑value theft now requires 30 to 180 days in jail plus a fine up to $1,500. For higher amounts or schemes, fines can reach $10,000 or $50,000 and prison up to 10 years; top‑tier forgery can mean up to 20 years. For bounced checks, failing to make payment within 5 days after nonpayment is evidence you knew it would not be paid. For very minor thefts ($100 or less) with no convictions in the past 5 years, there is a presumption of a deferred sentence.
Stronger penalties and help in identity theft
The law increases penalties for stealing or using someone’s personal information. If no money is gained or the gain is under $1,500, courts can impose a fine up to $1,500 or up to 6 months in jail. For gains of $1,500 or more, penalties can be up to a $10,000 fine or up to 10 years in state prison. If the victim is a minor, an incapacitated person, or a vulnerable adult, penalties can reach a $20,000 fine or up to 20 years. Victims can get restitution for costs to clear their credit and fix records. If another enacted law also amends this identity‑theft section, this act replaces both with one version that uses these penalties.
How cases are added up and counted
The law defines a common scheme as acts under one plan that cause $1,500 or more in loss. Prosecutors and courts can add up values within a common scheme or the same transaction to set charge and sentence levels. Prior convictions now count even if they are from another state or are bail or collateral forfeitures that were not vacated. All changes in this act take effect July 1, 2025.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Barry Usher
Republican • Senate
Cosponsors
Steven Kelly
Republican • House
Roll Call Votes
Senate vote • 4/17/2025
Do Pass
Yes: 37 • No: 13
Senate vote • 4/16/2025
Do Pass
Yes: 47 • No: 2
Senate vote • 4/11/2025
Do Concur
Yes: 61 • No: 38
Senate vote • 4/11/2025
Do Concur
Yes: 63 • No: 36
Senate vote • 2/27/2025
Do Pass
Yes: 34 • No: 16
Senate vote • 2/5/2025
Do Pass
Yes: 32 • No: 16
Actions Timeline
Chapter Number Assigned
5/13/2025SenateSigned by Governor
5/13/2025SenateTransmitted to Governor
5/5/2025SenateSigned by Speaker
5/5/2025HouseSigned by President
4/29/2025SenateReturned from Enrolling
4/19/2025SenateSent to Enrolling
4/17/2025Senate3rd Reading Passed as Amended by House
4/17/2025Senate2nd Reading House Amendments Concurred
4/16/2025Senate2nd Reading Pass Consideration
4/15/2025SenateRevised Fiscal Note Printed
4/14/2025SenateReturned to Senate with Amendments
4/11/2025House3rd Reading Concurred
4/11/2025HouseFiscal Note Unsigned
4/11/2025SenateRevised Fiscal Note Received
4/11/2025Senate2nd Reading Concurred
4/11/2025HouseCommittee Report--Bill Concurred
4/10/2025HouseCommittee Executive Action--Bill Concurred
4/9/2025HouseHearing
4/9/2025HouseRereferred to Committee
4/9/2025HouseRevised Fiscal Note Requested
4/9/2025SenateCommittee Report--Bill Concurred as Amended
4/8/2025HouseCommittee Executive Action--Bill Concurred as Amended
4/8/2025HouseHearing
3/17/2025HouseFirst Reading
2/28/2025House
Bill Text
Enrolled
4/17/2025
As Amended (Version 3)
4/8/2025
As Amended (Version 2)
2/3/2025
Introduced
12/9/2024