MT HB896

Expands Montana's definition of "offender" under the obstructing justice statute to include individuals who entered the U.S. illegally without federal inspection or who have violated conditions of their immigration status

Makes it a crime to knowingly harbor, conceal, warn, provide transportation/money/weapons to, or otherwise assist such individuals in avoiding discovery or apprehension

Penalties match existing obstructing justice sentences: up to 10 years in state prison if the offender is charged with a felony, or up to $500 fine and/or 6 months in county jail for misdemeanor-level offenses

Appropriates $500 from the general fund to the Department of Justice for the biennium beginning July 1, 2025, to notify law enforcement agencies and county attorneys about the new requirements