All Roll Calls
Yes: 534 • No: 2
MontanaSB 36469th Legislature, Regular Session (2025)SenateWALLET
Establish kill switch laws
Sponsored By: Kenneth Bogner (Republican)
Became Law
CourtsMotor VehiclesRemedies
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Sue for $10,000 per illegal kill switch
Starting Oct 1, 2025, if a company illegally activates a kill switch on your device or car, you can sue and get $10,000 for each violation. You do not need to show extra financial loss to receive this amount. Illegal activations are consumer‑protection violations, and the Montana Department of Justice can ask a court to stop them.
Companies cannot remotely disable your devices
Starting Oct 1, 2025, companies cannot remotely turn off, wipe, or drain your personally owned device or car without a court order or warrant. The rule covers electronic devices and motor vehicles you own. The law defines a "kill switch" as any remote tool that shuts down, factory resets, drains batteries, or shortens software life.
When kill switches are still allowed
Starting Oct 1, 2025, some activations are still allowed. A company may cut off subscribed services or disable a leased device or a car in collections for nonpayment, but it must disclose any kill switch before you sign. Safety features that respond to driver medical issues, inattentive driving with automation on, or that bring automated cars to a safe stop remain allowed. Cars may also shut off after long idling in park. You can consent to disable a stolen device or car you own.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Kenneth Bogner
Republican • Senate
Cosponsors
There are no cosponsors for this bill.
Roll Call Votes
Senate vote • 4/15/2025
Do Pass
Yes: 50 • No: 0
Senate vote • 4/14/2025
Do Pass
Yes: 44 • No: 0
Senate vote • 4/11/2025
Do Concur
Yes: 99 • No: 0
Senate vote • 4/9/2025
Do Pass As Amended
Yes: 97 • No: 0
Senate vote • 4/9/2025
AMD-SB0364.004.001 Carter DO PASS
Yes: 96 • No: 1
Senate vote • 3/6/2025
Do Pass
Yes: 49 • No: 0
Senate vote • 3/5/2025
AMD-SB0364.002.002 Bogner D/PASS
Yes: 49 • No: 1
Senate vote • 3/5/2025
Do Pass As Amended
Yes: 50 • No: 0
Actions Timeline
Chapter Number Assigned
5/13/2025SenateSigned by Governor
5/8/2025SenateTransmitted to Governor
5/1/2025SenateSigned by Speaker
5/1/2025HouseSigned by President
4/22/2025SenateReturned from Enrolling
4/16/2025SenateSent to Enrolling
4/15/2025Senate3rd Reading Passed as Amended by House
4/15/2025Senate2nd Reading House Amendments Concurred
4/14/2025SenateReturned to Senate with Amendments
4/11/2025House3rd Reading Concurred
4/11/2025House2nd Reading Concurred as Amended
4/9/2025House2nd Reading Motion to Amend Carried
4/9/2025HouseCommittee Report--Bill Concurred as Amended
3/29/2025HouseCommittee Executive Action--Bill Concurred as Amended
3/28/2025HouseHearing
3/18/2025HouseFirst Reading
3/17/2025HouseReferred to Committee
3/17/2025HouseTransmitted to House
3/7/2025Senate3rd Reading Passed
3/6/2025Senate2nd Reading Passed as Amended
3/5/2025Senate2nd Reading Motion to Amend Carried
3/5/2025SenateCommittee Report--Bill Passed as Amended
3/1/2025SenateFiscal Note Printed
2/28/2025SenateCommittee Executive Action--Bill Passed as Amended
2/27/2025Senate
Bill Text
Enrolled
4/15/2025
As Amended (Version 5)
4/9/2025
As Amended (Version 4)
3/29/2025
As Amended (Version 2)
3/5/2025
As Amended (Version 3)
3/5/2025
Introduced
2/19/2025