MT SB19

Raises the felony theft threshold from $1,500 to $1,500 for the misdemeanor/felony dividing line while simplifying the penalty structure by eliminating the intermediate $1,500-$5,000 category for most offenses

Increases maximum fines for misdemeanor-level offenses from $500 to $1,500 for theft, deceptive practices, forgery, issuing bad checks, and theft of identity

Removes the $1,500 minimum pecuniary loss requirement from the definition of "common scheme," allowing prosecutors to aggregate smaller amounts in related criminal acts

Eliminates the graduated penalty structure based on number of prior offenses for many property crimes, replacing it with a simpler two-tier system (misdemeanor under $1,500, felony at $1,500 or above)

Effective date is July 1, 2025